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Nice stylistic stew

Arthur Shuey | Wilmington, NC USA | 01/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

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The Agents

Radical Records RAD 70034-2



Two-thirds reggae, one-third ska, this record adds up to four-thirds fun for the right environment, and the right environment for this one is pretty flexible. Got a stereo on your boat? Driving the beltway around Raleigh in heavy, fast traffic going someplace you want to go? Snow skiing with a walkman? Getting ready for a party with college friends? Three hours into that same party? is a great choice for you in any of these settings if you're 25-49 years of age, have ever eaten Pepperidge Farm products or are record shopping on a day ending in "y."



's greatest strength comes from the studio. While The Agents are a wholly praiseworthy band, there are other bands out there that are competitive with them. Those other bands didn't enjoy the Mark Creegan production and Robert Pemberton/Sound.Station7 recording and mixing. It's a thoroughgoing package for the ear, with imaginative, crisp use of a wide range of effects.



It's really a nice stylistic stew. The techno and horn insistence of ska is tempered by reggae's undercurrent of swaying mellowness. At the same time, the energy of ska requires listeners to lift their feet on occasion while moving to the music, which pure reggae would never do.



Eleven songs. Cut four, "Everynight," is the one least likely to be anyone's favorite, but it's not so bad, either.

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