Growing up, I considered every genre of music “gangsta rap,” only because my cousins were all troublemakers in their own rite. Anything they listened to, I associated with law-breaking and detention-earning. After finally watching TRL at the age of 11, I discovered that I was missing out on an entire world because of false pretenses. Flash forward a few years when I was asked to join my cousin’s ska band, then asked on a date to a Pepper show in 2007, and now here, listening to Mrs. Skannotto’s latest full length album, All These Evolutions.
All These Evolutions is lucky number seven for Mrs. Skannotto and begins with the track, “Just As Well,” which I was certain was another heavy rock song. But then the trumpets began, and I listened more intently, suddenly intrigued by the presence of the winds. The trumpets are wonderfully placed, smoothing the edges of hard drums and scratchy vocals.
As I continued listening to the 14-track record, I thought of two bands: Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Oregon based band, Larry and His Flask. Not only does Mrs. Skannotto carry the zest reminiscent of both bands (except, spicier), but vocalist, Joe Harmon, is a slightly distorted echo of Anthony Kiedis (RHCP) and the LANHF trio. However, as much as I could make comparisons, the real distinction for me rest within the accessible melodies Harmon’s vocals create. Midway through any song on the record (my favorites being “New Belief” and “Run Along”), I can easily hum along with confidence.
Not every song on All These Evolutions is sweet and welcoming. You’ll have to get past the seemingly charming trumpets and rhythmic guitars before you can pass judgment. “Everyday,” is a homicide case in notes, full of disguise, lust, and action; it’s as if James Bond teamed up with a dash of Pulp Fiction. You don’t, however, want to dodge this bullet.
From gangsta rap to Mrs. Skannotto, I’ve made a transformation, and similarly, Mrs. Skanotto captures their 15 years of music transformation in All These Evolutions.
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