Matchless Triple A EP by Mb HiPower: A Wild Ride Through Rock, Reggae, and Blues Vibes
Alright, let’s talk about Matchless Triple A EP by Mb HiPower. This little gem from 1986 is one of those albums that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Released under Criminal Damage Records in the UK, it’s a genre-bending mix of rock, reggae, and blues with styles like ska, punk, dub, and alt-rock sprinkled all over. It’s chaotic, raw, and kinda unforgettable. Let me break it down for ya.
First off, this EP isn’t trying to be perfect—and that’s what makes it so cool. The tracks are short but punchy, each with its own vibe. I wanna zoom in on two songs that really stuck with me: “Springheel Jack” and “Ghost Train.”
“Springheel Jack” kicks things off with this gritty energy that feels like someone just cranked up the volume on an old stereo. There’s this driving rhythm that blends punk’s edge with a ska bounce—it’s impossible not to nod your head along. What gets me every time is how the guitar riffs cut through the mix like they’ve got something to prove. And honestly? That scrappy, don’t-care attitude totally works here. You can tell these guys weren’t chasing trends; they were just making noise that felt right.
Then there’s “Ghost Train,” which flips the script completely. It starts off moody, almost haunting, with this deep bassline that pulls you in. The reggae influence shines through big time, giving it this hypnotic groove. But halfway through, BAM—it switches gears into this wild dub section that feels like you’ve stepped into another dimension. It’s weird, unexpected, and kind of genius. Every time I hear it, I picture some foggy train station at midnight, except instead of trains, there are zombies or something. Yeah, it’s THAT kind of track.
Now, full disclosure—I didn’t even mention “Black Gold” yet because my brain was still recovering from the first two songs. But trust me, it holds its own too. It leans more into bluesy territory, with soulful vocals and lyrics that stick with you long after the record stops spinning.
What’s wild about Matchless Triple A EP is how it refuses to sit still. One moment you’re jamming to punky ska vibes, and the next you’re floating away on a reggae cloud. Mb HiPower wasn’t afraid to experiment, and while it might not appeal to everyone, it’s exactly the kind of fearless creativity we need more of.
Here’s the thing though—listening to this album feels like finding a hidden treasure chest buried in the sand. Sure, it’s rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm. And honestly? If you’re looking for music that sounds like it came straight outta 1986 without caring about fitting in, this is your ticket.
Oh, and random thought: If this EP had been released today, I reckon TikTok would lose its mind over “Ghost Train.” Can you imagine people doing spooky dance challenges to that dub breakdown? Totally underrated gold right there.
