Ska Face are a ten piece Ska Band from the wrong side of the tram tracks in England's original ghost town - Blackpool on Sea. Launched in April 2010 the band are enjoying a meteoric rise through the ranks of pub and club land across the north of England, packing venues to capacity with a throng of dancing music - always good natured and never lacking enthusiasm. Hot, sweaty, bouncy addictive - all of these words begin to describe the Ska Face experience. Whilst there are other Ska 'Tribute' Bands around, none of them come as close as Ska Face to emulating the original verve and energy of the late 70s and early 80s Ska explosion. None of them do it with such passion, enthusiasm or accuracy - and none of them do it with such big grins on their faces. Ska Face's enjoyment of live work is totally infectious.
Ska Face take their musical cues from Ska classics - The Specials, Bad Manners, The Selecter, Madness and all the usual suspects. Their infectious grooves combined with a determination to interact with the audience make for an intense live experience. You're as likely to be picked out in the crowd for a good bit of ribbing as you are to end up reaching for by Ralgex and Ibuprofen the morning after the show. A full 4 piece brass section really sets them apart from other Ska acts, as does their enigmatic and energetic singer Tony Montana - certainly 'one to watch' in every sense.
Their first anniversary in April 2011 was spent performing to a sell out crowd with none other than Roddy Radiation of The Specials guesting on lead guitar. Later the same year the boys played to a packed house at 53 Degrees in Preston with the legendary Rico Rodriguez (MBE), trombone player best known for his work with The Specials, The Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and Prince Buster. This October sees Ska Face return to 53 Degrees for a very special show re-united with Roddy ‘Radiation’ Byers of The Specials plus support from very special guests Bob On (Bob Marley tribute).
Whilst the band have delighted in reviving the Ska and Two Tone hits of ‘79 to ‘82, they have also been busy writing and recording their own tunes with the recently released debut album ‘That Difficult First Album’ on 2 Types Recordings Limited. Featuring ten original compositions and one cover this recording has received a great initial response from fans and critics alike, and is available from the band at gigs and their website or via download through iTunes and Amazon.
So grab a shot of rum from the bar and make your way to the dance floor for the most intensely watchable band you will see all year. And remember - enjoy yourself - it's later than you think...
