Big D and the Kids Table – Good Luck
(Asian Man)

It is nice to see that there are still some really good ska punk bands out there. Big D and the Kids Table are good. Really good. They attack their instruments with energy and aggression, but they also understand the rhythm of ska at the same time, and fuse the two together. This is ska punk the way it was meant to be played.

The band has 9 members, and each member leaves a mark on the recording. The album features catchy horns used in all the right places, along with vocals that are a good balance between screaming, singing and group chanting. The high energy of the songs are held together and focused by an outstanding drummer who is amazingly quick on the hi-hat.They also prove that they can bring down the intensity a notch while still laying down tight rhythms and melodic vocals, on the song “Gotta Find Out” and the acoustic title track “Good Luck”.

The lyrics mostly tackle the typical teenage insecurities and complex issues such as relationships, partying, and mustaches. It’s nothing brilliant, but it’s a lot of fun nonetheless.

Nowadays it takes a lot for a ska punk band to stand out above the crowd. At a time when most ska punk bands are eliminating the ska from the repertoire, Big D and the Kids Table have forged ahead and put out one hell of an album. Good Luck is infectious, fun, and highly recommended listening. — Sean