I got to meet these guys at C-stone in 1999. As we visited in their spacious tent, they told me of their plans to pull what another (slightly more well-known) Christian ska band did in their unknown days. And while I don't know if they were able to get away with putting on an illegal show by the skate ramp, I do know that their demo CD is a good example of these guys' determination.

Really, though, these guys aren't a "ska" band (at least, not in the pure sense of the word). They are more of what I would call "swingcore." To be ska, you need the distinctive ska beat, which you don't hear in Skooch. ("Synchronize Your Watch" and "The Tooth Fairy Song" are both swing-influenced, while the other songs are more ska/rock/core.)

The most notable feature of this album is the fact that their horns can stay in tune. This shouldn't be outstanding, but it is. I have heard far too many indie ska bands that can't pull off this feat. So, kudos to Skooch for a very solid horn line throughout the album.

Another strong suit for Skooch is their lyrics. They can be crazy and loony ("The Tooth Fairy Song"), but for the most part are straight up, Gospel-oriented songs along the lines of The Supertones. Lyricist Adam Krube definitely has a strong grasp of how to use metaphors to make a point.

Probably my main criticism of the album is that it needs more variety in the rhythm section. I think it would be a much more interesting CD if they threw in the up-down ska beat now and then, or even just something besides the excessive use of cymbals. (This would apply to a lot of "ska" bands though, not just to Skooch.)

I would recommend this disk especially to fans of the Insyderz. They are probably the closest comparison that I would make to Skooch. Overall, this band is one to watch, especially when we get to hear a full-length album of their work.