Hepcat Scientific - A Ska Music Review
Hepcat is a name that most people won't link to the middle 1990's ska explosion, at least not right away. BYO Records really found one of those bands that decided to buck tradition and play traditional ska with a touch of jazz and a little punk for good measure, and boy did they do with a classy touch.Originally released in 1996, "Scientific" broke down what teenagers thought was "ska" and was able to create a buzz in the Los Angeles music scene that would not be duplicated until the late 90's. Usually, sophomore records for bands don't do very well, and only prove that most bands rely heavily on gimmicks. That was not the case for this band, as they broke away from the crowded genre, and created a sound that dated back to the 1960's, with a touch of class that garnered them respect from all musical backgrounds.Hepcat's second record not only had all the makings of a great alternative underground record, it relied heavily on the horn section to create solo pieces, and instrumentals that bridged the gap between lyrical prowess and illustration from the principal songwriters in the band.Upon listening, it's easy to tell why this record is such a classic among alternative music fans. "Scientific" breaks no new ground, but still offers something special for audiophiles tired of the traditional distorted guitars and screams coming through the third wave revivalist bands. Before anyone pegs them as a traditional ska act, the record throws some twists and turns to give critics something to remember, and it's of high quality.Whether you like dub, rocksteady, ska-Cubano or two tone, you'll enjoy the record, if you can find it. It has gone out of print, at least the original, and some manufacturers are selling cd-r versions. Lyrically sound, catchy as ever, the mighty Hepcat really knocked one for a loop, too bad fan fare remains limited to this day, except for those of us that are still rocking this record on vinyl.