The Rebel Alliance Tour, Sunday 7th February@Mr Kyps

If one were to ‘skank’ – the dance form associated with the feel good music of ska - then one would lean forward, out stretch the arms and, essentially, jog on the spot. To the upbeat of some reggae inspired tunes, of course. On February 7th The Rebel Alliance Tour stopped off at Poole’s atmospheric live music venue Mr. Kyps and ‘skanking’ is exactly what those who checked it out did. The tour sees the union of three of the UK’s young heroes of the ska scene today; Random Hand, Mouthwash and The Skints, as well as international acoustic artist Chris Murray.

First on the stage tonight, Chris Murray and Friends –comprising of The Skint’s drummer and bassist – has the unenviable task of playing to a crowd that is yet to reach 20 in number. Despite this his set is flawless and filled to the brim with melody and bounce and it’s clear he’s in his element, ‘daring’ the inquisitive couple dozen to come closer. “Welcome to Mr. Kyps, it’s a cool place to be…and the crowd goes wild!” he jokes with a smile and genuine adoration for the support he’s received. You can’t help but warm to his charm and, frankly, he deserves a bigger audience.

Random Hand are tipped as one of the fastest rising ska punk bands in the UK today. The four-piece have previously toured with eclectic homegrown skankers Sonic Boom Six - founders of the Rebel Alliance Label – as well as Californian ska punk legends Reel Big Fish. Mouthwash have supported Florida party-band Less Than Jake and have years of experience of headline tours under their black and white checked belts. Tonight this experience shows and both bands shine at times with a raw punk energy and clear blues roots. It’s clear the crowd is never going to exceed 50-odd and both bands make the most of the fantastic atmosphere of Kyp’s to incite a dance pit. “You’re all like minded, if one dances you’ll all dance” Random Hand front man and class joker Robin Leitch screams. And, for the remainder of theirs and Mouthwash’s set, they do.

By the time bill closers The Skints take to the stage the beer is flowing and the quality of music remains high. It’s still the same faithful skankers down the front but in this environment a pit of 10 is no less impressive than a pit of 100. That said it is unfortunate that so few were in attendance tonight as those who were enjoyed every second. Ska is certainly not dead; it just needs to be prodded awake. See for yourself- catch the mighty Sonic Boom Six at Kyp’s in April.