Nice guys ska

The Planet Smashers are small and not too cool

by SUZIE WHO

The Planet Smashers want to stick it to people with big bad attitudes. "We have this thing about people who are too cool. They need a swift kick to the head," announces guitarist and vocalist Matt Collyer. "We are not to be taken seriously--ska is about having fun, dancing, jumping around and pleasing the crowd. We want people to jump up on stage with us. You just have to know when to get off."

You can hear Desmond Dekker in The Smashers' music along with a little Clash, Talking Heads, The Jam and fIREHOSE. "If you can mishmash that all together you can hear what we're getting at," says bassist Dave Cooper. The lyrics are cynical, the horns are low-end and melodic. This broader range has enabled them to play shows with the acts as far apart as Björn Again and Buffy Ste. Marie.

With only five members, The Planet Smashers are definitely one of the smaller Canadian ska bands. But having less people makes it easier to put together a tour, which makes them the most toured ska band in the country. Having recently gone through a major line-up change that left only two original members, they are now on their way into the studio to record a second CD and have an American tour pending. "Everything is new," stresses Cooper. "New album! New songs! New members!" There wasn't a hell of a lot wrong with the old, and hopefully such classics as "My Girlfriend is a Vampire" and the ironic "Pierce Me" will remain on the current Smashers playlist.

Collyer, who along with Jordan Swift of the Kingpins is head honcho at Montreal-based Stomp Records, also has plans to put together a documentary of Canadian ska. "It's not just music," says Collyer, "it's a lifestyle. You can have the sharp suit, the scooter, the Doc Marten boots and checkers coming out of your ass, but you can't fake it. If you don't love it 100 per cent we can tell." No pullin' the porkpie hats over these guys' eyes.

The Planet Smashers play the Cabaret Saturday, March 29, 8:30pm. with openers Whole Lotta Milka and Venice Shoreline Chris. $7. Their album Attack of the Planet Smashers will be released May 30