The Ludes

There are several ska bands cited as influencing The Ludes, and they are nodded to in a most appropriate way throughout this debut album. There is a mixture of post-punk/rock with a serious ska flavour from David Ashby and the band. They are excellent. Imagine the Police meets The Specials (particularly in track 2 - Never Had a Chance, released on March 27) playing really good Clash songs. Matt Allchin and James McCool's guitars come together on a really vibrant album, diverse enough to feel samey, but with a clear feeling of what this band is about. Dominic Peach is on bass and drums are provided by Chris Morris.

A couple of songs (Dead Man's Music in particular) are like a slightly heavier Coral and occasionally sound like a bit Talking Heads, but then there is a real bluesy rock n' roll influence now and again – such as track 8 – Song for a Friend. The guys can also convincingly show their sensitive side, as evident on track 11, Green Eyes.

I really hope this band does well with this debut album, released on April 10, but if anything gets in their way it might be the opinion that they have been heard somewhere before.