Female-fronted big name ska-punk band Two Day Rule from Bristol have recently released a 6-track CD, entitled "Been Around", on Sugar Shack Records. And it is awesome. This is one of those CDs where you can relate to every song and say - hang on, they?re singing about me!

The title track, 'Been Around' is the opening song on this CD, and it's a fantastic mix of punk rock and ska; an uplifting and cheerful song with great lyrics sung by male vocalist and guitar Neil Murray. He has a very refreshing voice; thankfully not the typical American sounding whining punk rock tone.

Next is 'Make The Best Of Being Wrong', a song with a winning tune and impressive drum beats. Andrea Kenny, the female vocalist and guitarist, takes over the singing in this song, and wow, can she sing. No recording can do her justice, but see her live and you'll see what I mean. Her incredible voice complements the music so well, a very feminine voice taking on the rough task of singing a punk song combined with great guitar riffs that just make you want to dance.

'Nothing Serious' is track three, which must be the best song on the CD. Or possibly ever. This song is dangerously catchy; one of those songs you can put on repeat on your stereo and take a very long time to get sick of. Both male and female occupy the role of vocalist in this song, which is ingenious - it gives the song a much more personal feel, as if the two of them are singing it to each other; as if the song is about real people.

'Gone For Good' follows, which starts off with quite a heavy, distorted guitar riff. This is probably the let down of the CD; the track you?ll skip over. It seems to be a bit overdone in the chorus, and although it?s a good song, it?s not quite at the level the rest of the CD seems to be.

The penultimate track, 'One More Time' has great drumming. Hearing this drumming makes you want to learn to play drums immediately. And again, there is a conversation between the vocals, which is really cool. The guitar riff is lots of fun, which is almost just very fast ska until you hit the chorus.

'Waiting For The End' is the final song; a slow reggae-ska style song. This song is very moving; and although the CD really doesn't do Andrea's voice justice, your mouth will still drop open. The guitar solo is fantastic, suspending your listening pleasure for the climax, which comes without letting you down. This is a really, really good way to end a CD, and many other bands should really take note. The last song is everything.

There is a hidden track at the end of the CD, a few minutes after 'Waiting For The End', which is a nice surprise (or at least it was for me, since I didn't know it was there!) It's a fast paced couple of minutes, with frenzied vocals and instrumental parts.

This CD must be bought, (or stolen, if need be) but you must own it. Whatever kind of music you like: death metal, emo, 80's hair rock, classical; you cannot fail to be impressed and then fall in love with this CD, even if you won't admit it. It is amazing.

Written by Luce