Roddy Radiation and the Skabilly Rebels – Losing Control EP
CD / DL
Out Now
Coventry’s Roddy Radiation and the Skabilly Rebels have been playing and releasing music for years, Roddy was a founding member of The Specials and alongside the Skabilly Rebels was an integral part of the reunion a decade ago. He left The Specials five years ago and has been going from strength to strength with the Skabilly Rebels ever since. They have just released the new EP ‘Losing Control’, take a look at what Fighting Boredom thought below.
There are some guitar sounds that belong to people. You know it’s them before you hear anything else. Pete Townsend, Bob Mould, Johnny Thunders, you know when it’s them and no one else plays the guitar the same as they can. Add to that list Roddy Radiation, the punk edge of rockabilly and ska, revered for his history and always adding to his legacy with new recordings and live shows.
There are some guitar sounds that belong to people. You know it’s them before you hear anything else. Pete Townsend, Bob Mould, Johnny Thunders, you know when it’s them and no one else plays the guitar the same as they can. Add to that list Roddy Radiation, the punk edge of rockabilly and ska, revered for his history and always adding to his legacy with new recordings and live shows. This EP has three tracks, the first you will have already heard played by The Specials but this is a new and fresh take on Roddy’s song. It’s smooth and cool with a warm rounded production. Less spiky and frantic than before. It has she-bop harmonies and a sax lead that suits it well. Adding Neville and Christine Staples into the pot makes ‘Hey Little Rich Girl’ unstoppable.
‘Losing Control’ is restrained with an echoing rock’n’roll guitar. It’s a song tinged with yearning and regret about not belonging. A call to be yourself I think. It has the feel of reflection on life and quiet acceptance.
The last song ‘Johnny’ is written by Neil Hunter, an old band mate of Roddy’s and someone whose songs he has covered over the years. It’s a rock’n’roll sleazy ode to the brilliant Johnny Thunders. The guitars and rock’n’roll drums lead this and Roddy’s growling vocal make it. Neville adds his inimitable touch too and it’s a rebellious rockabilly punky slice of goodness.
It’s an excellent trio of songs looking back at Roddy’s life and stepping forward into the future too. Well worth a listen.
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Roddy Radiation’s website is www.roddyradiation.com, you can buy the EP from here.
Roddy Radiation and the Skabilly Rebels have a Facebook page.
All words by Adrian Bloxham.
