Buster Shuffle

Go Steady

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Genre: Ska.
Released: 18/03/2022

Album Review: Buster Shuffle – Go Steady

Recently, there has been a lot of movement in the Ska scene again with a bunch of younger bands breaking through the cracks to try and revitalise it. One of those bands happens to be Buster Shuffle, a London based band that have had quite an impressive couple of years. From supporting the interrupters to being a part of Madness’ House Of Fun Weekender, the band have made their presence known to both the old and new generation of ska fans. We took a look at the band’s new album ‘Go Steady’ and here was what I thought.

Opening track ‘Deadline’ kicks the album off with a proper old school ska tune. A real focus on the syncopated beat matched with an impactful vocal performance sets the tone for the rest of the album. A great commentary on the current state of working class life fits Buster Shuffle’s style nicely. Following that is the title track ‘Go Steady’, a more upbeat track with a catchy chorus. The track uses contrasting delivery from verse to chorus that is pleasant on the ear and should make for a great live track.

Unsurprisingly ‘Puke In The Duke’ is a much more light hearted entry to the record. Like the previous albums, the band love a more comical song every now and again and this is another example of just how well they blend ska with their humour. Telling the story of one messy night out that ended as many do, puking up everything you’ve had. ‘This City Is Ours’ is a real dance number. Its infectious gear matched by the high energy given off from the vocals will have the most casual fans tapping their foot along to it. I highly recommend giving this track a spin! 

Up next is ‘The Hood’, a return to the more old school ska sound but a welcome return. Once again the real selling point of this track is just how well the syncopated melodies hit. The little riff that rings through the song will definitely get stuck in your head for the next few days. Picking the pace backup is ‘Wipe Your Nose’ and this really shows off the bands ability to mix ska with a more punky attitude. The chorus especially feels larger than life as the band shifts the volume way up to create an explosive yet memorable chorus. 

Bringing a more aggressive attitude to the album, ‘New Badge For My Uniform’ gives off a subtle grunge feel that is quite new for Buster Shuffle however I think it works really well for them. The ska sound is still present throughout the song but Instrumentally, the track feels so much more beefy. This is my personal favourite song on the record. Not to stay in one style for too long, ‘In History I Still Have You’ brings a more bouncy feel to the later half of the album. A solid beat throughout the entire track is tied together with a nicely flowing instrumental that is pleasant on the ears of the listener.

The penultimate track on the record is ‘Head To Toes’ and it brings a reggae filled ballad to the equation, with all the Cheesy lines you’d ever want. It’s a nicely paced track that helps build suspense for the final track ‘Sucker Punch Blues’. This final track is probably the perfect way to finish the album off. Bringing an energetic number that is full of meaning to the end of a whirlwind of a record works really well for Buster Shuffle and this single has already won the hearts of their fans and I’m sure it’ll capture the minds of many more.

As a whole, this is some of the band’s best work to date. They have nailed their style and have produced an album that proves that. The resurrection of the Ska scene in the UK is well underway and Buster Shuffle are at the forefront of it!