are a band with a trademark sound if there ever was such a thing, but a quick look at their catalog reveals only one of their albums truly reflects it. Their instant-classic 1979 debut defined the tough, furious dance groove that made them the greatest act from the U.K. ska revival of the late 1970s and early '80s. However, the follow-up, 1980's , was a deliberate detour into the then-unhip world of lounge music, and 1984's was as stylistically diverse as knew how to make it. Thirteen years into ' improbable reunion, the group includes three original members -- lead singer , guitarist and vocalist , and bassist -- and their second record after returning to action, 2021's , isn't a ska album. had intended to make a roots reggae album before the COVID-19 pandemic upended their plans, and they opted to instead take on a more intimate project, covering 12 songs that express politically and socially conscious themes in different ways. That's certainly a concept in line with the band's firmly held ideals, and the stripped-down arrangements present the material with heart and conviction. The great moments here include a spare, powerful reworking of ' "Listening Wind." ~ Mark Deming