PIECES OF NINE

By KAT

The English band Nine Ton Peanut Smugglers recently released their LP Pieces Of Eight on the Spanish label Liquidator Music. This label is well-known for its dedication to ska, rocksteady, early reggae, and soul music, and frequently collaborates with the Spanish producer Roberto Sanchez.

With two decades of performing at festivals across the UK and Europe under their belt, the Nine Ton Peanut Smugglers deliver a vibrant and original sound. Their energetic blend of ska, Jamaican boogie, rhythm & blues, early reggae, and a hint of rocksteady, driven by a prominent horn section, typically sits outside our website’s usual focus. However, the sheer enthusiasm and passion emanating from their music compelled us to share this mini-review.

Immediately striking was the absence of Jamaican ska covers; instead, the album features original ska compositions like the infectious Matilda, the energetic Round Head Ska and the instrumental May Contain Nuts. With ska forming the clear foundation of most tracks, albeit with the band’s own distinct flair, it’s unsurprising that songs like Drugs Mule, Skamaranga, Nine Ton Peanut Smuggler, and the title track bring to mind the pioneering sounds of the legendary Skatalites. Adding further flavor are rhythm and blues influenced songs such as Rule The Roost and One More Shot, the latter even boasting rockabilly undertones! Overall, it’s an energetic and fun release that underscores their enduring appeal over the past 20 years.

What truly sets Pieces of Eight apart is the band’s ability to balance authenticity with creativity. While their music is deeply rooted in the Jamaican traditions of ska and early reggae, the Nine Ton Peanut Smugglers manage to inject a playful spirit and distinctly British character into their sound. The horn arrangements are crisp and punchy, while the rhythm section keeps everything tight and danceable, ensuring the record feels both timeless and refreshingly original. Their refusal to rely on covers demonstrates a strong commitment to pushing the genre forward on their own terms.

Beyond the studio, the Smugglers’ reputation as a live act has always been their greatest strength, and this album captures that same infectious energy. You can practically feel the festival vibes coursing through tracks like Round Head Ska and Skamaranga, inviting listeners to move along. For fans of ska’s golden era as well as newcomers curious about the genre’s modern evolution, Pieces of Eight serves as a joyful reminder that ska is far from a relic—it’s alive, thriving, and still capable of surprising us.