The Dualers

One of my friends at school, when asked to prepare an essay about the start of the First World War, wrote that ‘The Balkans were the melting pot. The spark that lit the flame that started the fire that was World War One'.

Our history teacher leaned back in his chair before announcing that the sentence was possibly the worst piece of writing he had ever heard. My friend is now a published author.

So Balkans, crap writing or otherwise, how is this debut album from the lads from South London? Well actually it's good. It's not a spark that will light a flame to start a fire or anything like that, but it is very enjoyable. I suppose I'm biased in that I like a bit of reggae/ska from time to time, and I still often put on Sublime and Bedouin Soundclash if the sunshine's out and there's anything resembling an ice cold Corona kicking about. There may even be a hint of South America on this album, with Buena Vista Social Club vibes running amongst the trombones and feel good drums.

This album is inevitably going to make you feel summery, and in a country where we spend nine months of the year hoping to feel just that, it can't be a bad thing. The album's roots lie in street busking, but its finish defies those humble beginnings.

Melting Pot is a good debut with high standards and will not let anybody's CD rack down. I think if you fancy something different, relaxed, melodic and all round unstressful, then pick up a copy, open that beer and find a nice comfy chair.