Stomping On The Moon by Skawar: A Ska-Rock Gem That’ll Leave You Grinning
Alright, let’s talk about Stomping On The Moon. This 2000 release from the French ska-rock crew Skawar is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s got grit, groove, and enough brass to make your ears perk up like a dog hearing a whistle. Released under Tribe Records, this record doesn’t just sit in its genre—it stomps all over it (pun totally intended).
First off, can we take a second to appreciate the lineup? You’ve got Olivier belting out vocals with raw energy, Arnaud and Fabien shredding electric guitar riffs that feel like they’re straight outta some sweaty underground club, and Triboulet holding down drums AND recording duties. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the horns—Sylvain on alto sax, Yannick on tenor, Romain blowing trumpet… man, these guys bring so much life to every track. They’re not just playing music; they’re throwing a party, and you’re invited.
Now, onto the songs. There are standouts here for sure, but two tracks really stuck with me: “Stomping On The Moon” and “Dub Wars.” Let’s break ‘em down.
The title track, “Stomping On The Moon,” hits hard right outta the gate. The opening riff feels like someone kicked open a door during a house party—you know trouble’s coming, but you’re too hyped to care. Then the horns kick in, punchy and loud, like they’re daring you not to move. And honestly? I couldn’t resist. This song has this infectious swagger, like it knows exactly how cool it is without trying too hard. By the time Olivier starts singing, you’re already hooked. It’s the kind of tune that makes you wanna grab a mic—or at least an air guitar—and belt it out yourself.
Then there’s “Dub Wars,” which is basically the musical equivalent of a fistfight in a reggae bar. It’s chaotic, funky, and oddly beautiful all at once. The bassline, courtesy of Virgile, slaps harder than most people ever will in their lifetime. Meanwhile, the trombone (Jean, where you at?) adds this deep, growling undertone that gives the whole thing a menacing vibe. But instead of being scary, it’s exhilarating. Like yeah, things might be falling apart, but damn if it doesn’t sound good doing it. Every time I hear this track, I imagine myself walking through a neon-lit city at night, ready to take on whatever comes next. Weird imagery? Maybe. Accurate? Absolutely.
What strikes me about this album isn’t just the technical skill—it’s the heart behind it. These dudes weren’t chasing trends or trying to reinvent the wheel. They were making music because they loved it, plain and simple. Tracks like “Bring Me A Baby” and “El Presidente” have this playful edge, while others like “No Way In No Way Out” hit heavier emotional notes. It’s a rollercoaster, but one you actually enjoy riding.
And hey, maybe that’s why Stomping On The Moon still holds up after all these years. Sure, it came out in 2000, back when everyone was freaking out about Y2K and figuring out what Napster was. But this album wasn’t worried about any of that. It was busy carving out its own little corner of the universe—one killer horn section and distorted guitar solo at a time.
So yeah, give this album a spin. Whether you’re into ska, rock, or just looking for something different, Skawar delivers. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself randomly humming “Stomping On The Moon” while waiting in line at the grocery store. Oh, and if anyone asks, tell ‘em Triboulet sent you. He deserves the shoutout.
