BaitHead - Baitest Hits
Before hearing this album, I had never heard of BaitHead. I still know next to nothing about them except that they put out an EP in 2018 and recorded this debut album back in January 2020 but the release has been delayed by COVID.
I can’t tell you who plays what but I can tell you that they mash up 2Tone-style ska, punk and reggae with metal to fine effect. Over the course of eleven tracks, there’s skank-worthy ska-punk, rockabilly riffing, doo-wop vox, dub, gang chants and death metal bellows. Some of the guitar solos wouldn’t be out of place in 70s classic rock whilst the bass takes on a gloriously filthy tone on a couple of occasions. The sound brings to mind The Specials and The Selecter but there are hints of the likes of Stiff Little Fingers, Faith No More, The Undertones, RHCP, Discharge, the ‘90s ska revival, Slayer and more. It could have ended up as an unholy mess somehow the band bring these disparate influences together into a cohesive, thoroughly enjoyable whole. I bet the live show is an absolute riot!
If you need any more convincing, kudos to the band’s green credentials. The CD comes in a plastic-free “eco digipak” and all of the band’s merch from here - it comes in 100% recyclable packaging.
8/10
