Album Review

Yes Sir Boss – Desperation State

• 8th Oct 2012

Yes Sir Boss, described as an eclectic six piece band from Bristol, are the first artists to be signed to Stone’d Records – the label set up by their childhood friend Joss Stone. Desperation State is their debut album, confusingly with the same title as an EP released earlier this year, and it certainly gives a good introduction to the band’s diverse musical world.

It is very difficult to describe the combination of ska guitar sounds, Balkan rhythms, strident sax and jazzy trumpet that combines on this album. Throw in a bit of funk, some spaghetti western theme tunes and the odd rock like guitar solo and you might just be getting somewhere close. It’s certainly catchy and it provides rich backing for the vocals, sung in the highly expressive and husky voice of Matt Sellors

The album begins with the funky and rather jaunty title track. With ska guitar and the almost ever present brass competing for space it has a very busy sound but the vocals still shine through. There are similar, although not as memorable, tracks later, both Pretty Thing and the strangely titled Na Na Ooh having an upbeat feel. A couple of tracks take a more political approach. Not Guilty is an anti war song with a classic ska feel while Till You Get Yours has a defiant message to politicians everywhere.

The highlights of the album for me are the simpler songs. Mrs #1, which is to be released as a future single, is a tender duet featuring the soulful Ms Stone herself. It’s guaranteed radio airplay and should bring the band’s sound to a wider audience. The slower My My is passionate and atmospheric with some great guitar work. And the closing Lose No More, an acoustic thank you to those who have supported the band, has perhaps the best vocal performance of all the tracks.

Yes Sir Boss are certainly different. And while there is no doubting the musical talents of bassist Josh Stopford, guitarist Luke Potter, drummer Reuben Nimmo, trumpeter Tom Lad, and saxophonist Jehan Abdel-Malak, at times there is just a little too much going on. Matt Sellors’ vocals are generally strong enough to shine though, but the tracks which show that less can be more are the better ones for me.

Overall Desperation State is an entertaining album and a solid debut from a band with much to offer.