Self-released (Kickstarter) – 9 June 2023
Amy’s vocals at the top of her lungs are pretty amazing!
Prior to listening to this new release I was only vaguely acquainted with the Toronto based Amy Gabba. If you too are also not that familiar with her work you may have heard her pipes on some Mikey And His Uke covers or maybe one of her two cover bands she’s in. From what I had heard I was impressed with her vocal deliveries and so I jumped on the opportunity to check out her sophomore full length album. The record boasts an array of renowned musicians including guitarist Aaron Barrett and Scott Klopfenstein (Reel Big Fish), bassist Mikey Hachey (Suburban Legends/ String Puppies), Billy Kottage (Interrupters/ Reel Big Fish/ Big D And The Kids Table), Jason Freese (NOFX, Green Day/ Goo Goo Dolls/ Interrupters), and Tara Hahn/ Max Beckman (Half Past Two).
I am hesitant to label this a ska/punk record as it is more than that. If Pop-punk and ska are your jams, you will find many tracts that fit into that mold. If you are a little more ecliptic in your music taste, there are several other genres sprinkled in. One thing that is consistent is Amy Gabba’s fantastic vocal rang. The record title Screaming At The Top Of My Lungs describes exactly what you are getting.
The album starts off with a few Pop-punk rockers. One of my favorites “Punching Underwater” is one you can bop your head and sing-a-long to. Great fast paced drumming and crescent fresh guitar solo.
You get a little more ska-punk feel as you get to the fourth track “How Dare You”.
“Heavy” takes the listener away from the punk with more pop and really showcases the amazing pipes that Amy has. You then jump right into a country/ classic rock little ditty called “Ashes”.
The last two tracks pick up the ska vibe (pun intended) with some keys and up strokes on “Mary Go Round” and concluding with “Uber Over” a slower pace reggae ska jam.
As I mentioned earlier, it would be hard to fit this album into one genre section on the record shelf. Overall, it has a rock backbone with some pop, punk, ska, reggae, county, and blues mixed in. Although you may not like every song on this album, there’s a good chance you’ll find a few that you do.
Likes fine beer and cheap cheese. He has been a DJ, sound mixer for commercials and television, and currently designs motorcycle parts. He also has a habit of creating pastiche style cover songs and changing the chorus to incorporate “Jeff” or “Sorley.” (sigh… it’s true – Jeff)
https://www.instagram.com/rizchex_tgefm