7

Smooth criminals?

A quick scan of last.fm tells me that The Jai-Alai Savant are a reggae-slanted post-punk band from Chicago. A few plays of their latest single (out soon on City Slang) tells me that they're actually a slightly-above-average bunch of ska punkers (maybe the definition of post-punk got lost in translation?). Clipped guitars are over-powered by the punchy brass section and the vocals are pretty anonymous on this sampler from their debut album – matters aren't helped by the rather muddy lo-fi production.

Clearly The Jai-Alai Savant have listened to The Clash's 'Sandinista' a bit (much like Rancid or Green Day for that matter) but they lack the fiery passion of Strummer and co. at their peak and sound rather lightweight melodically when compared to bands of a similar ilk. Comedy song titles (there's a track on their forthcoming album 'Flight Of The Bass Delegate' called 'Scarlett Johansson, Why Don't You Love Me?') might score them points in some quarters but 'White On White Crime' is unlikely to make a dent on a U.K. market over-brimming with genuine nu-post-punk talent.