There are a lot of bands out there today with the number 8 included in the name. But The Coldspot 8 couldn't be more different than, say, Blink 182 if it tried. Unlike the latter, the members of The Coldspot 8 actually can play instruments, but they have focused on another genre -- several genres, in fact. Steering away from its original ska orientation, The Coldspot 8 say they now play "Jamaican R&B, rocksteady, and trad ska."
The new variety is found on the CD "It's the Feelgood," where there are mellow instrumentals ("Explanation Dub"), reggae-pop bouncers ("I Can't Explain") and old-school ska tunes ("Because I Know"). The players are tight and tuneful, and lead singer John Pinto's soulful voice works well for his particular singing-meets-toasting approach, especially on "What's Coming to You."
Running overtime with 15 songs, the CD may blur together for the average listener, but ska-jazz enthusiasts will likely dig all of it. I'd suggest catching one of the band's many club dates before deciding if you've found your perfect figure 8s.
