Rating: NN
On IllScarett’s first major-label-distributed disc, the T.O. quartet hope to finally encroach on Bedouin Soundclash’s turf. To do that they’ve put together an eight-song EP that regurgitates six tracks from their self-released debut, Clearly In Another Fine Mess. First Shot, which graces both albums, is misleading – it starts off in fine ska fashion but devolves into standard Simple Plan-meets-Billy Talent-like punk. Their Edge 102.1 staple, Heaters, is the band’s best song, which explains why they’ve included it here, again. The rest of the songs combine ska upstrokes, mainstream melodies, flourishes of punk – they’re catchy but feel too gimmicky. This is reggae for the Good Charlotte set.
IllScarlett play the El Mocambo Friday (November 3).
