Supertones Strike Back CD

Orange Co.Ska Christians

The Supertones: Matt Morginsky (vocals); Kevin "Slim" Chen (guitar); Dave Chevalier (tenor saxophone); Darren Mettler (trumpet); Dan Spencer (trombone); Tony Terusa (bass); Jason Carson (drums).
Additional personnel: Andy Kaulkin (organ).
Recorded at West Beach Studios, Hollywood, California.
Personnel: Matt Morginsky (vocals); Kevin Chen (guitar); Dave Chevalier (tenor saxophone); Darren Mettler (trumpet); Dan Spencer (trombone); Jason Carson (drums).
Audio Mixer: Steve Kravac.
Recording information: West Beach Studios, Hollywood, CA.
Photographer: Cynthia Levine.
The Supertones' second album -- the appropriately titled The Supertones Strike Back -- may not be as consistently entertaining as the Orange County Christian ska-punk band's debut, but it's still a dynamic, enjoyable listen. Working from a blueprint Operation Ivy and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones wrote, the group has an infectious, party-ready sound, but their Christian beliefs guarantee that they have deeper lyrical meanings than the average party-hearty ska-punk group. At times, the blend of religion (which, admittedly, doesn't surface on each song) and ska can sound a little forced -- which wasn't necessarily the case on the debut -- but the end result is highly enjoyable indeed. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
It's English-style two-tone ska, complete with black trousers and checkered jackets, from Orange County, California, no less! If you're not hip to this reggae-influenced, hopped-up brand of dance music, you should be. When it's done right, it's just about the best party music of all time. And the Supertones know what they're doing. This is a tight, well-produced disc, with plentiful amounts of revved-up ska tunes. "Unconditional Love" is a perfect example, as the guitar chunks away with that trademark against-the-grain rhythmic style and the horns riff away joyously in the background. "Resolution" steps up the tempo even more, and adds some fuzzy guitar to boot. The Supertones are one of those bands you just know must be a killer live act, but thankfully their unbridled energy also comes across on CD.