Album Review: Poindexter by Poindexter

Ska! I’m always excited to discover new ska punk bands. Today’s is the eight piece Poindexter who are spread between Detroit, Michigan and Los Angeles. In April, they released their debut three track self titled EP. This was a another discovery on Bandcamp whilst bored during Lockdown. Is there a better way to be spending your time when you’re not allowed outside to play than finding new favourite bands on Bandcamp?

The opening song and our introduction to Poindexter is titled Grounded. Grounded starts slowly with the guitar, bass and drums beginning the song before the brass adds another layer and then Gracie Pryor’s vocals come in. This isn’t your fast paced ska punk that I normally review, nor is it reggae. Poindexter play more of a ska pop style music, allowing you to have a dance without things getting too crazy. Up next is Increment. Again starting slowly and building, there is a subtle sounding guitar riff before the brass comes in and gives the song a bit more life. Poindexter have a four piece brass section which allows the songs to sound huge. Increment really shows off Pryor’s exquisite voice as they belt out the chorus of the song. I also enjoyed the use of gang vocals to trade lines and harmonise with Pryor. The third and final song on the EP is Purgatory. This time beginning with the horns, it’s almost a bit of a sad opening before the drums join and it becomes a bit funky. From then on, the brass gives the song a playfulness that I really enjoyed. Something I noticed throughout the EP is that despite being an eight piece band, the Poindexter sound is still quite minimalistic. Nothing feels overdone and everyone plays their part brilliantly. Purgatory really is a song for the brass section to show off what they can do, with each member getting little solos midway through before finishing the song and EP off with such energy.

Poindexter are a very new band in the scene but clearly have something to offer. They are obviously a talented bunch who can write fantastic ska pop songs. It’s always nice to discover more new ska bands popping up, proving that the genre is still alive and kicking.

Stream and download Poindexter on Bandcamp here.

Like Poindexter on Facebook here.

This review was written Colin Clark.