Cracked Actors

Cracked Actors

Cracked Actors are a Birmingham-based UK punk, ska and reggae group active since 1999. The band plays a mix of upbeat ska and laid-back reggae, and performs at venues across the UK. Their music draws on punk, reggae, Two Tone ska, Trojan records, Bob Marley, David Bowie, Beethoven and Rizzla.

Style and live performance

The group is described as having a loose ska rhythm under sung vocals delivered with force and feeling. Its live sets include contrasts between dance-oriented ska songs and reggae material, with songs such as “Red Ray’s” beginning with a Spanish flamenco-style introduction. The band also performs punk-leaning numbers, including “Modern World”, and uses saxophone on tracks such as “Naked”.

Line-up and stage presence

Cracked Actors use vocal harmonies and a vocal duo that responds well on stage. One member performs with a top hat, and Tall Tim, described as the keyboardist, takes lead vocals on “H.M.P.”. The band also includes a saxophonist called Malx. A later guitarist in the group says he is from Bedford.

Reputation

The band has a loyal local following and is known as a live act with a relaxed, self-assured stage presence. Their set lists include material such as “Skapache”, a variation on The Shadows’ instrumental “Apache”, “Hypocrisy”, “Buzz to Buzz”, “Naked”, “Flowers” and “Come around”.