It was a little over a year ago when I first discovered that Australia has a ska scene with bands like Admiral Ackbar’s Dishonorable Discharge and the Kittyhawks, and I loved both bands. Somehow, I missed Brisbane’s Fat Picnic until last week when I discovered their newest single “Many Shades”. To say I’m impressed is an understatement. This entire scene is full of great bands and catchy music.
“Many Shades” is an upbeat, poppy, third-wave influenced ska punk track that intros with a drum fill that leads directly into the upstrokes of a fairly standard ska rhythm and catchy rhythmic vocals that set the tempo for the song. While the beginning is pleasant and perhaps a little formulaic, the melody changes a handful of times, the vocals are incredible, and the horns are on point. The song has a couple of slower bridges that pick back up, and the tempo changes add a lot of texture to the song.
Lyrically, the song is outstanding: A reminder that we are stronger when we stand together, how the world is difficult and we, as people, are stressed. But when we come together, we can overcome any challenge. We don’t have to continue to let ourselves be divided and exploited. I love the way the song slows down for the chorus, but then picks back up in tempo. The use of the horns to add energy and excitement, and a sensation of hope feels powerful.
I don’t know how I missed this band before this week, even missing the drop of the song, but I’m glad I discovered it so soon after. This is a band that is definitely getting added to my rotation.
Written by Gimp Leg
