[4/5]
So we liked A Poet's Life, Mr. Rancid's first solo-and primarily ska/reggae-album, which reminded us we love this punk-flavored spin on the roots and island sound. But sorry, it wasn't the kind of pioneering work found on the refreshingly non-punk punk self-titled release of the Saint Alvia Cartel, which is bubbling with pop/ska/punk crossover appeal, all with a re-imagining that is totally fresh. Reminiscent of the frontiers Big Audio Dynamite's Megatop Phoenix broke through, TSAC are fearless in their toying with punk and pop tropes, combining danceable roots aesthetics with Pabst Blue Ribbon-gruff vocals ("Try To Forget"). There's poppier crossover stuff ("Time To Go") and delay-washed ditties ("Business As Usual") that would make the Edge's lawyers squirm. But the Saint Alvia Cartel, who look as though they would sound like Latterman, are anything but business as usual. (STOMP) Casey Lynch
 Official Website: http://www.stomprecords.com
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