The Melbourne Ska Orchestra, led by Nicky Bomba (drummer and percussionist of the John Butler Trio), first formed for a world-record attempt at the Gershwin Room ten years ago. The idea was to have the largest ever number of ska-playing horn players simultaneously on stage. The only problem was that nobody remembered to check if the record had actually been broken. From these inauspicious beginnings the MSO, not to be mistaken with their counterparts of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, have developed, tightening their approach and developing their whopping ska sound via a decade’s worth of festival appearances and sold-out shows.
The 33 (or so…who can count?) members of the MSO are finally releasing their first album. The self-titled record features 15 tracks which are out-and-out ska. While the MSO’s live shows have been enjoyed by countless thousands, the album is likely to only really hit the mark with genuine ska fans. Opening with an excellent cover of the theme from Get Smart, the band’s debut has a number of hits and misses. Among the best of the rest are the swinging Time For This Monkey, the romantic advise of the female-fronted While You Wait, and the lead single Lygon St Meltdown, which has a killer opening.
BY JOSH FERGEUS
Best Track: Lygon St Meltdown
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: THE SPECIALS, AMAZULU
In A Word: Skank-tastic
