Founded in 1987, already touring with Bad Manners in 1989, and since then an integral part of the German ska scene.
17 former band members
Current band size: 9 people.
Current fanbase: huge and very loyal since the beginning
Since their formation, the band has clearly stood for diversity and actively engages against xenophobia and for tolerance.
I'm talking about THE BUSTERS from Wiesloch.
“Calling“ is album number 24 (including live albums) and showcases THE BUSTERS as fresh and energetic as they haven't been in a long time.
When Joe Imbrahim took over the vocals some time ago, it was a break, as THE BUSTERS previously had two singers, one of whom was none other than Dr. Ring Ding under the name Richie Alexander. Joe Ibrahim took on a significant and, for many fans, a heavy legacy. With him, the band changed their style. It became more pop-oriented, one could also say more mainstream. The band gained new fans, while some old fans were a bit surprised.
Is this still ska?
Are these still THE BUSTERS who released such legendary albums as “Welcome to Busterland“, “Make a Move“ or “Revolution Rock“?
I myself was among those surprised people.
By now, I have gotten used to the new sound, especially because live it doesn't feel much different from before. There is not as much ska dancing anymore, but much more jumping around, moshing, and collectively going wild. The band remains captivating live.
With “Calling“, the band has now released a very mature and at the same time an energetic album like they haven't in years.
On “Calling“, there is broadly a colorful mix of ska (e.g. “Your Name“, “Danger Paradise“), ska-pop (e.g. “Champagne“), ska-rock (e.g. “Detox Baby“) or even rock tracks like “Calling“.
The common denominator is no longer just ska; that would be too little for THE BUSTERS by now. The band has found itself and plays what they feel like. They have not lost their sense for melodies and refined songwriting, but rather rediscovered it.
Here are nine musicians at work who know exactly what they are doing. They do it, at least it sounds like that, without pressure and coercion, but out of joy in making music together with the knowledge that they are primarily a live band.
They have also included a song with German lyrics on the album. The song titled “Geschichte schreiben“ reminds the listener more than just a little of ZSK. Did Joshi have a hand in “Geschichte schreiben“?
It is a fantastic album that offers a lot to the listener even after multiple listens.
At 39 years old, THE BUSTERS are one of the longest-standing and still active ska bands that play concerts almost every year and are simply indispensable.
With “Calling“, THE BUSTERS show that they are beyond any doubt.
Chapeau!
