Out of Nowhere

by Curtis ZimmermannUnlike most bands of the third-wave ska revival Hepcat's music does not have much influence from the British second wave. Instead the group focuses entirely on Studio 1 influenced ska bearing a strong resemblance to artists such as the Skatalites, Toots and the Maytalls, and early Wailers. This album contains the catchy vocal tracks "Dance Wid' Me," "Hooligans," and "Prison of Love." In addition, there are also numerous instrumentals, the best of which include "Caravan (Skaravan)," a remake of the Duke Ellington classic, and "Train to Skaville." An essential album for fans of the band and neo-traditional ska, it lays the foundation for the minor mainstream success the group had with their 1998 release Right on Time.