With two decades of performing at festivals across the UK and Europe under their belt, the Nine Ton Peanut Smugglers deliver a vibrant and original sound. Their energetic blend of ska, Jamaican boogie, rhythm & blues, early reggae, and a hint of rocksteady, driven by a prominent horn section, typically sits outside our website’s usual focus. However, the sheer enthusiasm and passion emanating from their music compelled us to share this mini-review.
Immediately striking was the absence of Jamaican ska covers; instead, the album features original ska compositions like the infectious Matilda, the energetic Round Head Ska and the instrumental May Contain Nuts. With ska forming the clear foundation of most tracks, albeit with the band’s own distinct flair, it’s unsurprising that songs like Drugs Mule, Skamaranga, Nine Ton Peanut Smuggler, and the title track bring to mind the pioneering sounds of the legendary Skatalites. Adding further flavor are rhythm and blues influenced songs such as Rule The Roost and One More Shot, the latter even boasting rockabilly undertones! Overall, it’s an energetic and fun release that underscores their enduring appeal over the past 20 years.