Symarip - Skinhead Moonstomp

As a dedicated Oi! reviewer, I usually stay in the lane of pure Oi! releases. But Skinhead Moonstomp by Symarip stands as a certified classic within the broader skinhead scene, where Oi!, ska, and reggae often intertwine. Released in 1970, this album isn’t just a musical artifact; it’s a significant cultural touchstone that speaks to the curious relationship between reggae music and the skinhead movement.

Symarip was unconventional from the start. London-raised Roy Ellis and Monty Neysmith, the band’s key players, were West Indian musicians who noticed that skinheads – a fast-growing British subculture that prided itself on working-class identity and sharp style – had an affinity for Jamaican sounds. To tap into this unique following, Symarip crafted music directly for them, blending ska, rocksteady, and reggae with lyrics celebrating skinhead culture. The title track, Skinhead Moonstomp, is a classic example of this, with Ellis calling out, "I want all you skinheads to get on your feet...and give me some of that old moon stomping!" – a borrowed twist on Sam & Dave’s soul hit, *I Thank You*, reimagined for skinhead crowds.

The album's appeal rests largely in its catchy, danceable tracks, not in its innovation. Symarip, known for backing ska legend Prince Buster as The Bees, made straightforward, high-energy songs for Trojan Records with a clear goal: create a good-time soundtrack for the rowdy skinhead crowd. Skinhead Girl, Skinhead Jamboree, and These Boots Are Made for Stomping are some of the highlights, offering cheeky, crowd-stoking anthems designed to fire up any party. While the tunes don’t break new ground musically, they’re executed with a raw energy that makes up for any lack of complexity.

After the initial success, the band hit unexpected popularity in Germany, riding the wave of skinhead style and ska influence in Europe. Years later, in 1980, Skinhead Moonstomp was reissued during the 2-Tone movement, reaching a new generation of fans who embraced its sound alongside bands like The Specials and Madness. This re-release solidified the album as an enduring skinhead favorite, even hitting the lower charts as it found its way back into circulation.

So, is Skinhead Moonstomp a masterpiece? Not quite – but it doesn’t try to be. This album, with its brace-snapping, boot-stomping simplicity, captures the heart of a cultural movement that’s worth celebrating. The music may not boast genius, but it’s a slice of ska history that resonates for skinhead fans and party-goers alike, offering us that unmistakable sense of belonging and nostalgia for the moon-stomping days.