Rating: **** (4 out of 4)

Availability: Widely Available

Imagine a band with the dynamic of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, the stylings of No Doubt, and the brass section of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. You have something in mind now that sounds slightly like Save Ferris.

Fronted by the lovely and talented Monique Powell, Save Ferris is a band of heavy brass hits, driving drum lines, and fast-paced vocals fired off by Powell and Brian Mashburn. They move from the all-out ska of songs like "The World Is New" to songs that sound like the swing of yesteryear, such as "Superspy."

The band's sound is created by a combination of a fantastic brass and winds section (Eric Zamora on sax, T-Bone Willy on trombone, and José Castellanos on Trumpet), fantastic lyrical work (mostly by Mashburn) and an absurdist sense of humor, such as the song "Spam," a tribute to "the government substitute for meat."

Save Ferris has one of the hottest and most fun sounds around today, and this album shows their ability to craft a good song and make it work. Save Ferris is a talent that should stick around for a while.

One of my favorite points on this album is the cover of "Come On Eileen," with the driving guitar on the chorus and the funky play in the background on the verses. The cover is great fun and safe for everyone.

By the way, this is one of those enhanced CD dealies. You pop it into your computer and you can see quicktime movies and interviews with the band.

The opinions expressed in the above reviews are those of Glen Williams and may not represent the views of slac.com or any of its members. Compliments, complaints, and comments should be addressed to gandalf@tricon.net

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