Melbourne Ska OrchestraBig-band and ska have always been closer than either fanbase might be willing to admit – at the very least, both generally use horns and punchy upbeat rhythms as a means for energetic dance. Like all great ideas, it seems like a wonder that big-band ska fusion outfit Melbourne Ska Orchestra didn't have an album already. A punchy horn driven-cover of the Get Smart theme song as an album opener could honestly go either way but MSO nail it. Far more big-band than anything traditionally two-tone or ska from the get-go – the dance-heavy, fun and jovial idea of ska is present and the tone of the record is set.
Single Lygon Street Meltdown manages to channel the busy, multicultural feeling of the iconic Little Italy of Melbourne without falling into cultural cringeworthy cliché. Singalong verses and grooves very difficult to not dance to are the group's stock and trade, and this tune shows them off better than nearly any other. Equally highlight-worthy is the sensual and danceable He's A Tripper, which stands out for its more unique songwriting approach: shuffling around irregular beats with hip hop aplomb.
At an hour in length the record does outstay its welcome, with its emotionally uniform approach, guitar upstrokes and dancehall calls only being sustainable for so long; but even with its fair share of filler, MSO's debut can still be called a success. The group's purpose is so obviously to get people happy, up and dancing and this record would suit any ska club night or summer party. But with over a decade of live shows under their belt, it's obvious from this still impressive debut album that Melbourne Ska Orchestra's is a sound best experienced live.
