When you were in the 6th grade or so, what music did you listen to? When I was in middle school bands such as Korn and AcDc were popular (and still are) amongst the "hip" teens. I was different though. I had a fascination with ska music and listened to it throughout my middle school years. MU330 is probably my favorite 3rd wave ska bands just behind Streetlight Manifesto. MU330 has been around since 1997 and have released a total of five albums. Out of the four I own this is by far my favorite and I listen to this the most. If you like 3rd wave ska than this is a must have. MU330 don't pull off just a few catchy horn lines and a simple guitar riff. This album has some ficious horn lines and raging guitar lines. This is more like ska/rock. MU330 didn't get the spotlight in the late 90's when ska was popular, but they were one of the most talented 3rd wave ska bands out there.
Members :
Dan Potthast - Guitar, vocals
Ted Moll - Drums, back, vocals
Chris Diebold - Bass, back vocals
Rob Bell - Trombone, back, vocals
Jason Nelson - Vocals
Nick Baur - Trumpet
Tratgen Bilsland - Tenor Sax
MU330 were one of the bands that was in the middle of the 1997 3rd wave ska explosion. Most of the ska bands in that time period had a few nice horn lines and some simple guitar riffs. However MU330 took the more difficult route. They combine quick, jazzy, horn lines with raging guitars and Dan Potthast's voice brings everything together. MU330 has the most energy out of any ska band that I've ever heard. The horn lines are odd sounding at first, but once you get used to the "psycho ska" feel of the music than you will realize MU330's greatness. Songs like "Wide Awake" and "Rok" are fast paced, pump up ska tunes featuring amazing horn lines from the band. MU330 also has range by throwing in some slower and more mellow tracks such as "LA", "Nothings Alright", and "So Far." Most of these tracks are fast paced and psycho. You will have to be patient with this album because it will grow on you.
Through the sharp horns lines and raging guitars there is Dan Potthast. In the slower paced songs his voice can be slow and smooth. His voice fits with the slower songs perfectly creating a mellow and depressing feel. However Potthast thrives when he sings to the faster paced songs. His voice is wild, hyper, energetic, fun, and crazy. His voice has a lot of range and it is amazing when it is mixed in with the music. Potthast gives the band a ton of energy and makes MU330 standout above all other 3rd wave ska bands. MU330 is fun, unique, crazy, and energetic. MU330 is the craziest 3rd wave ska band that I've ever listened to. Instrumentaly MU330 doesn't throw in a lot of different instruments because there is no need. The horn lines are so fast and pump up that there is no time to throw in keyboards or any other instrument. The vocals are wild and crazy and mixing them with the music creates a psycho, crazy 3rd wave ska sound. This music certaintly isn't hardcore, but it is hyper and sloppy in some points. Sometimes there is so much going on in these songs that it's hard to listen to. This should not be used as backround music or something to relax to. I use this album whenever I want to get pumped up for something, or if I am in a good mood this album can very effective. MU330 is an awesome 3rd wave ska that should be more appreciated!
Overall this is one of my favorite 3rd wave ska albums of all time. The only thing I dislike is that there are too many slower songs on this album. There are about five slow paced songs on this album and it really slows down the pace. Even though I don't really like these songs the other fast paced ones make up for it. I might even consider MU330 to be a ska/rock band. If you want an album with pure energy than this is the album for you. MU330 have faster horn lines that Reel Big Fish and have more energy than Streetlight Manifesto in some points. This is the craziest 3rd wave ska album that I own. The horn lines are frantic and sharp, the guitar and drums are fast and they pump you up. What is not to like? The vocals are hyper and crazy and are a perfect combo with the horn lines to make this album a psycho ska masterpiece. Any fans of 3rd wave ska need to check this album out because it is one of my favorites. MU330 is not known very well and they deserve more credit than they got. Once again this is one of my favorite 3rd wave ska albums of all time.
Overall Rating : 4/5
Pros:
Fast, upbeat, crazy, energetic songs
Crazy vocals
horn lines
Pumps you up
Cons:
Slower songs
Unorganized and sloppy at times
Recommended tracks :
"Rok"
"Inside Me"
"Since the Short Longs Gone"
"Fat and Married"
