The Resignators – Offbeat Time

After a couple of regionally released CDs, Melbourne, Australia’s The Resignators finally make their North American debut. Their debut comes in the form of a fifteen track compilation, combining their previous releases, an EP titled Offbeat Feelings, and their original full length debut, Time Decays. The title, Offbeat Time, smartly reflects how their latest release combines previous efforts.

The Resignators are best described as a playful third wave ska band with an expansive brass section and varying degrees of punk and reggae. The album starts with a couple of fairly unremarkable ska tunes. “W.O.F.T.A.M.” and “Kablamo” are particularly bad offenders. Both tracks sound like their were taken right from the 90’s, which wouldn’t necessarily be detrimental if they had harnessed the catchy elements of the genre. Instead, they come across sounding like bland, uninspired Mustard Plug tracks. Even the lyrics lack personality. For example, “W.O.F.T.A.M.” comes across as an insincere call for peace. The song is ripe with overused references about government lies, greedy oil mongers, and “taking a stand.” Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for anti-war activism, and while the brass section sounds tight, the lack of lyrical creativity prevents The Resignators from achieving any sense of urgency or immediacy.

The same mediocrity continues into the third track, but then, when the forth track starts up, something interesting finally surfaces. It’s as if the band decided to get the filler out of the way early – a strange choice, since I’d imagine many listeners would have given up by the forth track. I can best describe the forth track, “Weirdos, Superheroes, and Me,” as an upbeat ska song about zombies. Props to the band for creating what is probably the first third wave ska song detailing a zombie take over. The bouncy ska backdrop forms a nice juxtaposition against such gloomy subject matter. It’s a great example of how a little originality can freshen up even the most stale of sounds. From this point on, The Resignators draw upon a greater variety of influences, allowing the album to finally start taking off. The female companion vocals on “Wake Up” make for an invigorating addition to the album, and the flute on “Here ‘N’ There” produces a variety of soundscapes, from a medieval mistral, to an atmosphere comparible to an artsy jazz club.

Unfortunately, the final five tracks, taken from the Offbeat Feelings EP, are entirely unremarkable, save for the Buck-O-Nine influenced “Point To Prove.” While the bulk of the final five tracks fall victim to the same lack of personality plaguing the opening tracks, “Point To Prove” showcases The Resignators‘ seldom seen aggressive side. The trumpets feature meaningful changes in tempo, resulting in a truly lively atmosphere. The band even throws in a killer guitar solo, further infusing the song with life. If only every Resignators song stimulated such interest.

While The Resignators have all the elements of a good ska band, I seldom feel as bored with ska music as I do while sitting through Offbeat Time. Are there entertaining moments in the album? Yes, certainly. But when it comes right down to it, they’re just too few and far between to justify any well versed ska enthusiast picking up The Resignators’ North American debut.