It took more than two decades for The Rifffs to put out their debut album Moonstomp (and what an album that was), so the four years that have passed as the band readies itself to release its sophomore album Can’t Stop the People are a mere blink of an eyelid in comparison.

The first taste of the band’s upcoming album is a single called Start the Revolution, which bears enough familiar traits from The Rifffs’ infectious ska sound but actually drops more than a hint of the old-school reggae that the band – now with an expanded line-up – has been bringing more prominently into the mix of late.

“We chose Start the Revolution as the first single, precisely because we wanted to put out the message that The Rifffs aren’t just about fast-paced ska,” the band said. “The reggae influence was already evident on the first album, particularly in Magic of the Sun. We’ve been listening to more classic roots reggae; old recordings by Rico Rodriguez, Man from Wairewa, Black Uhuru and other tracks featuring Sly and Robbie.”

Nevertheless, they are quick to point out that ska is still very much a primary protagonist on the new album, particularly on songs like Bad Seed, Little Girl, 4 Walls and Tommy Twister.

The latter, in particular, is a fireball of a tune that will surely consolidate the band’s presence on the local airwaves in due time.

Meanwhile, Start the Revolution is available to buy on iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores.

A music video for the song is also due for release, and a wicked dub version by Michal Lubay Lubiszewski is available to stream from the band’s Soundcloud page.

www.therifffs.com