Like many of the recent stylistic hybrids, ska/punk often translates to the worst of both worlds, diluting the energy of punk and completely losing the earthiness of even second-generation ska groups like the English Beat. Through time and perseverance (the group has been around since the late '80s), the Urge has, more often than not, managed to avoid those pitfalls. Its latest makes the best case yet for a band that, by assimilating a number of easily recognizable styles, has found a comfortable and solid voice.
Producer Cliff Magness (Quincy Jones, Hanson) has given the record a more even sound, played up the rich harmonies ("I Go Home") and apparently encouraged the band to explore dead-on --what some old fans might call shameless--pop ("Liar Liar" and "Say A Prayer"). Where previously, a rocker like "Four Letters And Two Words" would have had slash-and-burn guitars, the edge has been tamed, which helps make the 11 cuts hang together seamlessly. The title track, which employs "stereo" as an analogy for the distance between partners, stands out; ditto with the peppy commentary "Welcome To Gunville," while the ambitious "Warning Warning" shows off the band's ska roots.
All recordings courtesy of Immortal/Virgin Records. "Too Much Stereo" and "Four Letters And Two Words" written by The Urge; courtesy of Neat Guy Publishing (ASCAP). "What Do They Know" written by The Urge, C. Magness; courtesy of Neat Guy Publishing (ASCAP)/Blue Iron Gate Music (ASCAP), administered by EMI April Music, Inc.
