Smiley & The Underclass Rebels Out There - Review
It's always great to keep finding artists that use their passion for positive change, as a real driving force in their music and composition and you're guaranteed to get that when you listen to Smiley & The Underclass. This four man group have recently released their debut album "Rebels Out There" and it is sure to get you fired up or at least get your mind in an introspective state.
The first track "It's All England" is all about the journeys and discoveries one can find when you live in different cities and encounter different cultures and communities up and down the island. Not only that, Smiley is being the protagonist about the present society we live in and the little stories that help create the bigger stories wherever they sit on the spectrum between good and bad. I also like the cheeky adaptation and alteration of the national anthem at the beginning, that shouts 'The rebels have taken over, and this will not be televised'.
It's really hard not to smile when listening to this album. With a beautiful blend of several genres (rock, punk, dub), creating something that is truly unique. Their signature sound is really uplifting, a bouncy and lighthearted and even humorous-way of sending out a serious message. It is calling for people to rise and speak their truth in order to help things change in the right way. This narrative continues into their track "Rights" where Smiley sings '...tomorrow is promised to no man.' This, a pragmatic way of saying seize the day, be proactive in change right here and right now. Throughout the album, this conversation between performer and listener provides a story that has twists, turns, lessons, morals, questions and observations about what is around us and what we should do about it.
Then the syncopated rhythms and melodic harmonies help give the lyrics the final touch to deliver an intense and heartfelt message to whoever wants to listen. Don't be surprised to find yourself dancing along,to tracks such as "Machiavelli Blues" and "Jump The Barrier" which for a final track, is their way of saying "We'll leave you with this last word, we'll be seeing you soon rebels!"
This is very true for the lucky fans and new listeners in Japan where they'll be going for a tour next year (but you can still catch them here till December, see below) Smiley & The Underclass are true poets, capturing and maintaining the wisdom handed down by the likes of Joe Strummer and Peter Tosh.
What's their main message overall? The first revolution begins in the mind.
Listen Here:
Fancy seeing it in 3D? Catch Smiley & The Underclass LIVE: Here.