Karl Phillips & The Midnight Ramblers // Karl Phillips & The Midnight Ramblers

I’m not too sure where to start with this album, I like it but don’t think I could necessarily listen to it over and over again.  That’s not necessarily a dig, it’s possibly just not my cup of tea – or at least I don’t think so.  The bare elements of the album are based upon ska and punk with a bit of hip-hop layered on top.  It certainly has somewhat unique sound and I should probably stress the hip-hop element is relative loose in the sense that this is predominantly based on the fact that Karl Phillips MC’s on top of the tracks.  I don’t think it would be misleading to compare Karl Phillips to the style of Mike Skinner, except Mr Phillips is also a very talented singer which adds to the happy-go-lucky energy and feel of the album.  The introduction of synths halfway through the album on track 6 (Strongbow) unfortunately feels slightly out of place, although the overall sound still works to some degree due to the strength of the vocals.  I guess the hardest thing I’ve had to overcome with this album is when I hear anything remotely ska based I immediately make negative associations with Madness, a misplaced prejudice I am fully prepared to admit.