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The Bionic Rats - T.B.R.

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The Bionic Rats - T.B.R.

The Bionic Rats - T.B.R.

By Gerard McMahon on Friday, August 12, 2016 - Comment

This album's set delivered live will only enhance The Bionic Rats growing reputation.

Sampler

The Bionic Rats – Ireland's hardest working and highest profile ska\reggae band – have just released their fourth studio album, entitled T.B.R. Comprised of 10 tight tracks, this album is probably their finest work to date. After 10 years of entertaining audiences and opening for reggae's international luminaries, this fourth studio album from the Rats makes for good listening and maximum live impact.

The Bionic Rats - T.B.R. All tracks are well decorated with sometimes breezy and sometimes bursting brass. From the opening 'One More Nail In The Coffin' to the reflective closing track 'Shoulda Coulda Woulda', every input allows the competent brass boys to complement Clabby's clear vocals. Set to a fast ska pace in a Madness manner 'I'm Doing Good' is followed by the cheerful 'Until I Forget', before the percussion driving 'Say Something' touches on a sensitive topic set to a sweet swing reggae rhythm. The brass opening to 'New Day Rudie' is as uplifting as the subject matter the song deals with, whilst 'Half A Mind' boasts the album's best chorus by far. The 'Girls With Big Hands' track then slows the pace to walking before the '$64bn.' track achingly asks questions about dark deeds in Ireland's political past. The album's penultimate track asks 'Where's She Gone?', as Clabby agonises in paranoia over his missing woman, set to a blistering pace with the brass crew given free rein to good effect.

Big up to the Bionic Rats for sticking the pace and producing the goods. This album's set delivered live will only enhance their growing reputation.

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