"Even Rude" is a soulful rock band, with aslight shot of punk and an understanding of smooth ass bassy bump and clean strum guitars (think splashes of less ska'd Sublime), but the meat of the songs hit with full rock chord pumping strum. The bass and guitar interplay on the lighter moments will breed some ska comparisons, but these are minimal and most often crash into a big rock chorus, which is the "Even Rude" formula defined. They would make a good bill with Slightly Stoopid.

"Even Rude's" charm is mostly from their lighter play, when the bass creates the most challenging progressions, while the attempt at larger choruses feels a little more used and could stand some tightening. Ska hybrids are mostly tame, but "Even Rude" inject enough snap to keep the wuss factor of going "chinka chinka chinka" on their guitars to a safe level. Barely. Coming from that slight rap/reggae tip, "Gravity" loosens upon effect dripping guitar playing an easy listening approach and shows the singer doing his most earnest attempt at being soulful. He mostly pulls it off with a slight rasp in his howls.

"Jive Turkey" was a surprise when the vocalist decided to shoot for an almost metal growl, which was funny more than intense, but shows he's shooting for some dynamics. Since the structures of all these songs have a very similar feel, "Even Rude" could use a dose of range in their two mode hit. Some good ideas mixed with a few awkward moments, but delivered with capable talent.

This album is for those looking for some punch in their ska/reggae/rock hybrids.