Boots For Dancing - The Undisco Kidds

The phrase “better late than never” couldn’t be more apt when it comes to describing the debut album from Scottish funk-punk ensemble Boots for Dancing. Having first formed in 1979, the band built up a fervent following while supporting acts such as U2 and Talking Heads. Several singles ensued, but ultimately they decided to go their separate ways when 1982 rolled around. Now, nearly four decades later, Athens of the North Records finally released their first full length outing, The Undisco Kidds.

It opens with the fun and funky feel of “Salt in the Ocean”, which proceeds to dart through vigorous vocals and characterful guitars, drums and pianos. “The Pleasure Chant” maintains the momentum via fast-paced riffs and percussion that fly frantically forward alongside an urgent melody. It’s a pressing but pleasant piece, before the brisk beat of “(Let’s All) Hesitate” takes over and pounces into more mad music and expressive singing. “Get Up” is another quirky composition, featuring a restrained but riveting riff that’s a lot more arresting than those of its predecessors. A spirited serenade follows, adding to the airy atmosphere of the proceedings. “Style in Full Swing” succeeds it by speeding off upon some biting bass amid a laid-back but brisk harmony. It’s a warm and reserved offering that still develops determinedly. “Timeless Tonight” sounds simultaneously serious and sanguine due to industrious instrumentation that carries a light-hearted undertone. “(Somewhere) in the South Pacific” is a long and alluring anthem afterwards, made up of purposeful percussion and absorbing riffs which steal the spotlight away from the soft singing. “Just the Ticket” exhibits a cheeky tone in its wake as it skips off across brash bass and gleeful guitars, while a resonant refrain echoes in the background. “Wild Jazz Summers” follows as a more forceful affair that enthrals on the way to the enthusiastic instrumentation of “Shadows on Stone”. A heartfelt harmony joins in to add an adamant attitude, ahead of the upbeat bass that begins “Oh’ Bop Sh Bam”. This is a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously as it sails toward the lazy music and melody of “Money (Is this on the Ground)”. “Stand” is speedy and stirring next, charging thrillingly to “Bend an Elbow, Lend an Ear”, which serves as a festive finish.

Boots for Dancing have crafted a curious combination of punk and funk that keeps fairly compelling throughout. There’s a sense that it would have gone down well had it been released when it was recorded back in the early eighties, which in one respect is a shame when you consider what could have been. At the same time though, it’s good to see such a unique assortment of anthems finally getting their moment to make an impact.

Dave Simpson

Ripped from the 2xLP Compilation of unreleased early 80’s punk-funk to MP3

Boots For Dancing; The Undisco Kidds

A1.  Salt In The Ocean

A2.  The Pleasure Chant

A3.  (Let’s All) Hesitate

A4.  Get Up

B1.  Style In Full Swing

B2.  Timeless Tonight

B3.  South Pacific

C1    Just The Ticket

C2    Wild Jazz Summers

C3    Shadows In Stone

D1    Ooh Bop Sh’bam

D2    Money (Is Thin On The Ground)

D3    Stand

D4    Bend An Elbow, Lend An Ear