Year: 2025
Label: Trommelfell Records

Uh oh. We are entering hostile waters now. German Paddlecell define their style as “horror ska and psychobilly.” I’m a big fan of ska, particularly original ska from the late 60’s and early 70’s, but when it is combined with punk or psychobilly, it’s usually an abomination.

So we approach with both trepidation and a heightened awareness of the odds being stacked against Paddlecell. And, for the love of something, what the heck is horror ska?

Let’s start by answering that question. The answer is: I don’t know. Because, you see, there’s not very much horror in these lyrics. I’m supposing the “horror” element is vocalist Marc’s gruff, gravelly rasp. Or maybe it’s in the sense of horror this combination of styles instills in yours truly.

Musically, Paddlecell’s combination of psychobilly and ska leans predominantly towards the latter. And, sadly, we’re not talking original ska. We’re not even talking early 80’s revival two-tone ska, although the band name-check it at least once (on Our Little Pub). No, we’re talking 90’s ska revival, that lowliest of ska forms.

This means a horn section whose role is egregiously pronounced in the music. They toot and blare all over the place, and are in most songs responsible for carrying the entire melody. The guitars are more often than not relegated to a pure backing capacity, providing a tasteless, formless and indistinct buzz.

I’ll be honest with you. I don’t like this album. Not at all. It’s not just the fact that I hate the combination of psychobilly and ska; it’s also the fact that Paddlecell seem to have one setting, which is 90’s style ska with slapping bass. Horns carrying the melody, trite back beats. It gets extremely samey very soon.

Well, there’s one exception to the above. The title track of the album is actually a very decent, classic psychobilly track with no horns. What makes things worse is that this is actually a good song! What a wasted opportunity the entirely of Spooky Jones the album is: here’s one song that proves there’s a good, even very good band in here. But they settle for lukewarm ska laced with psychobilly vocals.

I went in not expecting to like the album. Turns out, I don’t like the album. Oh well.

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