The London International Ska Festival continues to attract both bands and punters from all four corners of the globe with it’s eclectic and ever-diversifying Ska, 2-Tone, Reggae and Bluebeat line-ups. The festival takes place over the Easter weekend in and around London and includes a multitude of Live Bands, DJ Sets, Trojan & 2-Tone river cruises, Club nights along with a record fair and all at affordable prices with some events free for children under fifteen. This year LISF acts included Georgie Fame, Pama International, Keith & Tex, Owen Gray, The Phoenix City All-Stars and King Zepha. The Saturday night is all about 2-Tone, Ska-Punk and fanzine Do The Dog’s 30th Anniversary celebration. Kicking off this late afternoon is German band MASON ARMS (named after a pub in York) who crank out some top-notch tunes and also sing in their native tongue. They are joined by Chris Murray for a run through of ‘Home’ but it’s their instrumental tracks that get the early birds up and skanking along. Next up is the all French and female LE BIRRETTE whose performance sweeps you in and causes involuntary toe-tapping, smiles and in some cases singing. The three-pronged vocal attack is backed by subtle yet devasting musicianship, including some near perfect keys, brass and drums. BUSTER SHUFFLE are the perfect early evening band to get those middle-aged, ever stiffening joints loose and a provide a chance to give the vocal cords a workout. Their distinctive piano based 2-Tone sound has more than a smattering of Music Hall/Madness/Chas & Dave and The Clash all thrown in and the result is a nostalgic Saturday tea-time, pie and mash sing-a-long with a modern yet brutalistic twist. The band’s last album 2017’s ‘I’ll Take What I Want’ is a perfect place if you’re curious.
‘We Fall To Pieces’, ‘Teenage Wedding’ and ‘I Don’t Trust A Word You Say’ highlight the past, present and Buster Shuffle future. Lead singer and pianist Jet engages the crowd with teasing intro’s, smiles and chest thumping. Final track ‘Our Night Out’ rounds off another bouncing set of high-quality South London Ska-infused merriment. KING PRAWN have finally dropped their, five years in the making, new album. ‘The Fabulous Sounds Of…’ is a belter of an album and they waste no time in showcasing some of the blinding new tracks. The band sound radox refreshed and water-tight as opener ‘Numeration Dub’ shakes the walls and internal organs. Lead singer Al has lost none of his vocal dexterity as he switches from Punk-Rapper, Ska to full on note holding Rock frontmen, roar like a lion indeed. The set includes fan faves ‘Domminant View’ and ‘Racist Copper’ but it’s the latest single ‘Level Up’ that blows the (bloody) doors off. KING PRAWN delivered and some! For limited heavily discounted early bird Tickets for 2020’s London International Ska Festival and general event, info go to, https://www.facebook.com/events/london-united-kingdom/the-london-international-ska-festival-2020/342918326572902/