Admittedly it feels strange to be writing a writeup about a band whose
oldest member is
four years younger than I am, but it needs
to be done.
Unlike so many bands who are
excessively hard to categorize. Cpt. Squeegee and the Soapsuds fit
squarely into the ska genre without much fuss. The band is comprised
of seven members, (larger than four) and includes a trumpet, a
trombone and a sax.
Personally I have seen these guys twice in concert, both times they
were the opening act for
The Aquabats. They are a perfect
match. The main job of an opening act is to get the crowd psyched for
the upcoming performers, and these guys do just that. Never before have
I seen so many people
skanking at a concert.
Based from Dobson High School in Mesa, Arizona, Captain Squeegee and
the Soapsuds are often openers for The Aquabats, but they do not
limit their shows. They play many small venues, and are exceedingly
successful for a high school band. The talent in these kids is mind
blowing, considering each has only been on their corresponding
instrument for roughly three years. Ironically they are the perfect fit
for The Aquabats, showing the same energy that the successful
Huntington Beach based ska band does on
stage, and would be fit to tour with the 'bats if only they were out of
High School.
Captain Squeegee and the Soapsuds have released one album, showcasing
their two years of work together. The CD is entitled Uprising and was
released in January of 2005. By the time tested audience-reaction
technique, their cover of Graduation by Vitamin C is by far their
most popular song. Side Note: They are the only opening act I have
ever seen to be called back out by the crowd for an encore, and I've
seen Something Corporate as an opener.
Tracklisting for Uprising:
1. Instrumental
2. El Modesto
3. Coffee Rap
4. Perfection
5. Jamaican
6. Weasel
7. Get Up and Go
8. Gone Away
9. W.G.O.
10. I Carry On
11. Graduation (cover of Vitamin C)
12. You Don't Know
13. Uprising
Odd Bit: This may simply be naming genius, but even though
Captain Squeegee and the Soapsuds are the antithesis of emo, every
single emo I know seems to have a CSATSS pin pinned to their
messenger bag.
Bottom Line: If you're into ska... no, even if you aren't into
ska, and you have a chance to see these guys, do so. They tend to set a
feeling at their concerts of wondrous high energy. Do not expect them
to be outside of the Phoenix area for a few years,
but keep a watch on the indie scene for more of their music.
http://www.captainsqueegee.com