The First Band!

Band: 3 Minute Warning

Country: UK

Notable Album: Scooters Loose Change

Favourite Song: "Have This"

Alright! The first band is here, and they are (or were, I should say) such a crazy mix of ska, punk, and everything keyboard that I just HAD to give them recognition.

3 Minute Warning is a now-defunct ska-punk band that has a HUGE emphasis on their keyboard player. Changing the keyboard style from piano to organ to weird scratchy sounds track-by-track, no song sounds even remotely close to the one before or after it. Super cool stuff, but I sometimes wish they stayed with one sound - some of them don't sit well with me! Vocals are also super cool - Billy's voice is higher, but always pitch-perfect so even the high notes don't pierce your ears. He also adds in a gruff-ness (don't judge me, I'll make up words if I want to) every once in a while that adds a fun intensity to their music.

I put the album on today while setting up for a band practice, and I had totally forgotten how unique it really is! The first songs starts off with what sounds like a normal 12-bar blues, but quickly steers away from such a generic path. By the middle of the album it might be hard to remember exactly what the first songs sound like, but if you listen to it again you'll know right away what song it is. Each song features a very unique chord progression (with some exceptions), but the keys ALWAYS stand out - and their keyboard player definitely deserves all the exposition he gets!

It was nearly a tie for favourite song, but I had to go with the last track "Have This" over the rather bluntly-titled "Shut The F**k Up." I actually prefer "Shut The F**k Up" in terms of musical progression, but the keyboard sound can get pretty annoying on the track. However, it is still a super good song, and definitely deserves to be listened to. "Have This" wins my vote because of Chuzz, master keyboard player, and his awesome powers of musicality. The sound of the keyboard on this track is sort of scratchy, but perfect for the song.

You can pick up the album here, and stay tuned for the "A" band tomorrow by 10pm!