The Forces of Evil - Friend Or Foe

Not satisfied with the last Reel Big Fish album? I can't say that I was. Have no fear, The Forces of Evil can fill that void in your skankin' heart. Fronted by Reel Big Fish leader Aaron Barrett and rounded off with members of Jefferies Fan Club, The Forces of Evil are one of the few bands helping to give the ska scene another good kick in its dying ass. Sounding obviously like an Orange County ska band, The Forces of Evil have crafted a catchy, bouncy, and sometimes pretty hilarious debut full-length. Many of these songs appear on the band's 2002 EP, buy the new versions sound better by far. The album is pretty straight ahead ska - fun, danceable, and the horns sound great. And, of course, Aaron Barrett's lyrics are as funny as anything he's written before. For example, the chorus of the album opening "Angry Anthem" ("Fuck all you motherfuckers, fuck you!"), as well as the last line of "Independent" ("I hate that stupid ho"). I can't forget to mention the band's rendition of Van Halen's "Dancing the Night Away", too. Friend or Foe? doesn't try to be anything it isn't, and all the band wants from you, the listener, is for you to have a few laughs and enjoy listening to something light and carefree. This won't turn you on to anything new, but if you like Reel Big Fish, the Mad Caddies, Mustard Plug or the like, you'll undoubtedly love this. [www.theforcesofevil-ska.com]