Symbolic

Musically, the Voodoo Glow Skulls rank with the best of Southern California's legendary ska-punk bands. Commercially, the band hasn't achieved the sales of such contemporaries as the Long Beach Dub Allstars, No Doubt, and Goldfinger. It's a shame, because the Skulls are just as tight and furious as they come. Regardless, fans of the band will continue their love affair--whether anyone else does or not--with Symbolic, another snug, two-fisted assault on unhappy feet. The surprise here is how well the (somewhat) slower material fares. "The Drop-In" skanks along comfortably, aided by mighty guitar and horn blasts. "The Devil Made Me Do It" sports a sinister reggae sound that's evil yet sunny. "Silencer" is the big rave-up, an angry rant against police brutality. Even if Symbolic is a testament to an oft-exploited sound, the band keeps the feeling loose and the music tight. --Jason Josephes