Quick, what's a three-letter word for a good time? Nope, not F-U-N. How about S-K-A?
Currently enjoying its second rebirth, mostly in small "underground" music scenes, the Jamaican-born ska has perhaps its strongest advocate in the Canadian-Californian six-piece King Apparatus.Making its third and fourth Utah appearances Sunday and Monday, the band also showcased its third lineup in as many years (having replaced keyboardist Mark LeBour-dais, drummer Brian Christopher and rhythm guitarist J.C. Orr with Darren Fletcher, Adam Lee and Brian Dixon, respectively). But the group was no worse for it, as the three new kings of swing added even more competent musicianship to some already great numbers.
For instance, the galloping rhythm guitar from Dixon (who also plays guitar and sings with Fresno, Calif.'s Checkmate) enlivened "Tom Metzger's Big Plan" and erstwhile Let's Go Bowling member Fletcher's pseudo-accordion key work on "Made For TV" was a nice addition.
King Apparatus's three core members (singer Chris Murray, guitarist Sam Tallo and bass guitarist Mitch Girio) also had their moments - quite a few, in fact, like "Michael & Anne," "Strong Physical Urge" and "Crash & Curl," all of which had the adult patrons at the Zephyr Club and the more youthful group at Meridian School skanking (the only way to dance to ska) up a storm.
While it would be easy to dismiss the group's music as being unoriginal (especially in light of the cinematic cliche employed in "Made For TV" and the relationship turmoil one used for "Hangin' On"), both numbers are played with infectious enthusiasm that is rarely seen in music these days.
Both local openers proved that, when it comes to ska at least, Utah is no slouch either.
Insatiable's five-piece horn section is easily the best brass this side of the Utah Symphony. If you don't trust this critic, at least trust members of King Apparatus, who drafted four of them (trombonists Andy Codrington and Matt Boehme, trumpeter Eddie Candland and saxophonist Lou Lodefink) to flesh out their more reggae-like, or rock steady, numbers "King Apparatus" and "Rock Steady."
The band's originals aren't too shabby either, especially Codrington's Fishbone-like "L.A. Rising" and keyboardist Jeff Evan's "Free TV's," both interesting takes on the L.A. riots ("L.A. Rising" attacking police brutality and "Free TV's" assailing opportunistic looters).
Provo's Stretch Armstrong also showed off its new three-sax horn section, as well as great new numbers like "Drool," "Downfall" and "Crack House," all of which had loyal local followers dancing with a vigor that most aerobics programs strive for.