REVIEW: Buster Shuffle - Together

London ska-punk staples Buster Shuffle return with their sixth studio album, Together. Packed with infectious energy and singalong moments, the record is bursting with the kind of cheeky storytelling and upbeat rhythms that have become the band’s signature. Rooted in themes of unity and support, Together leans into its feel-good ethos, encouraging people to come together, whether through shared experiences or just a rowdy night out.

Right from the start, 'Shows How Little You Know' sets the tone with its playful, lighthearted energy. The lyrics are full of classic British humour, kicking off with the dilemma of wanting to get their first tattoo but not knowing what to get, before joking about inking "your mum" on their neck. It’s the kind of track that immediately puts a smile on your face, pairing sharp wit with bouncy ska rhythms and a melody that sticks. The whole thing is over in under three minutes, but it doesn’t need to be any longer - short, sharp, and ridiculously fun.

'Take A Pill' follows with a chant-ready opening of “woah’s”, the kind of song practically built for live crowds to yell along to. The contrast between the upbeat ska-punk instrumentation and the song’s more somber theme - turning to medication as a solution for life’s struggles - gives it an emotional weight beneath the surface. The repeated refrains like "take a pill" and "day by day" add to the track’s hypnotic, almost mantra-like feel. It’s catchy in a way that creeps up on you, and before you know it, it’s stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

Later in the album, 'Knocking At 112' slows things down just a little, carrying a nostalgic and mischievous energy. The song paints a picture of childhood memories, knocking on a mate’s door to see if they can come out and play. The xylophone in the background adds to the youthful feel, giving it an almost storybook-like charm. It’s lighthearted yet brimming with

warmth, making it one of the more unique moments on the record.

'One In Ten' brings something different again, in parts with a muffled vocal effect making it sound like a phone call. The lyrics feel like a direct plea for reassurance, giving it a sense of intimacy despite its lively beat. It’s a rant, a vent, a moment of frustration wrapped up in a ska-punk package, and that mix of vulnerability and energy makes it stand out. It’s another one of those tracks that sneaks up on you - the more you listen, the more it clicks.

Rounding off the album, 'View For A Fool' ties everything together, but with a more reflective tone. There’s a weight to it, like the band is taking a final moment to step back and take stock. It doesn’t completely ditch the fun, but it’s got a different kind of impact, leaving you thinking just as much as you’re tapping your foot. It’s a fitting closer, showing that Buster Shuffle can bring depth to their sound without losing the charm that makes them so enjoyable in the first place.

Overall, Together is everything a Buster Shuffle album should be - fun, full of energy, and packed with memorable moments. There’s a little more variety this time around, with tracks that dig into heavier themes while still keeping things musically upbeat. The balance between humour, nostalgia, and introspection makes it feel like a well-rounded, carefully considered album rather than just a collection of songs. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the band, it’s an easy album to get into, and one that will no doubt go down a storm when played live. There’s no filler here; just Buster Shuffle doing what they do best.

Score: 8/10

Together will be released on March 28th via Do Nothing Records.

Words: Jason De Mendonca

Photos: Buster Shuffle