PINK

‘I’m not dead’

The Parental Advisory sticker on the cover is a clear pointer that, four albums down the line, tough cookie Pink remains as rebellious and outspoken as ever. She is also still firmly attached to the rockier edge she first adopted and explored five years ago on Missundaztood, the album that gave her the real break, elevating her from another R’n’B hopeful to a pop rock icon. No surprise, then, that I’m Not Dead is strikingly direct on the lyrical front too! Every song carries a message, whether it’s Pink’s opinion on global issues, her questions about teen troubles and disorders, her attacks on politicians and bigots - or the occasional personal issue!

She has also made drastic changes in the song-writing department, replacing Rancid’s Tim Armstrong with a team of various writers, mixing and matching anyone from producer Billy Mann and Swedish composer Max Martin to Luke Gottwald and unsung rock hero Butch Walker. The result is a varied “pop-pourri” spearheaded by songs like Stupid Girls, Cuz I Can, Long Way To Happy and new single U & Ur Hand. Pink’s strength however shines brighter when she subdues her anger, transforming the energy into mellower yet equally effective songs like The One That Got Away, Dear Mr President (which features US folk-rock icons Indigo Girls) or the closer-to-home end track, Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self. Still fiery, still angry, but more mature!

Rating: 4

CD COURTESY OF EXOTIQUE

THE I-SKANDAL

‘Skaccomatto’

The title of this EP pretty much defines what the listener should expect of The I-Skandal, but a closer look at the lyrics will reveal that there’s more than just rhythm and attitude on offer here! Though not quite their first outing, Skaccomatto is in itself a debut of sorts for the band. Featuring a distinctly different line-up to the one that released Under The Same Sky, this new EP boasts an expanded band that comes with its own brass section – Nico, Keith and Ruth – and fronted as always by the conspicuously tall “Zghiru”, along with his vibrant sidekicks Fre (Dripht) and Dino (Xtruppaw).

Opening track and first single Como Estas is currently available as a free download at www.reciprocalrecords.com. Essentially an upbeat song in Maltese, it comes with a Spanish chorus and a not-so-upbeat topic, but it proudly wears its Ska heart on its sleeve, capturing The I-Skandal’s passion and spirit perfectly. Equally strong is the other Maltese song, Ghala, openly referencing the Nutty Boys in terms of delivery and rocksteady beat! In contrast, the English-language Life and Living A Lie aren’t as in-your-face, revealing instead a more concerted effort on the band’s part to focus on the melody while holding back on the energy levels. It is a balance that gives the band a broader spectrum within which to roam, an aspect that makes Adjectives the better of the English tunes and fuels the brass-induced abandon that The I-Skandal conjures on The Physics Song!

The Skaccomatto EP was recorded at Hell Next Door Studios and will be launched on Saturday 13 May at Naasha event lounge, San Gwann. The I-Skandal and BNI will also be performing live on the night. Entrance is free if you buy the EP or Lm1.50 if you don’t! For more info, visit the all-new www.theiskandal.com.

Rating: 3.5

CD COURTESY OF WWW.THEISKANDAL.COM