Symarip - Skinhead Moonstomp - 180g Vinyl LP

2025
Limited edition of 750 numbered copies on silver coloured 180-gram audiophile vinyl. 

Symarip evolved from the UK ska band the Pyramids, who had recorded with the then leader of the Equals, Eddy Grant. The group formed in 1969, comprising Monty Naismith, Ray Ellis, Michael Thomas, Joshua Roberts and Frank Pitter. The group had built their reputation as Prince Buster's backing band. The band's name was originally spelled Simaryp, which is an approximate reversal of the word pyramids. Consisting of members of West Indian descent, Simaryp is widely marked as one of the first skinhead reggae bands, being one of the first to target skinheads as an audience.

Time may be “longer than rope,” as Prince Buster once said, yet certain records have such an explosive impact, everyone knows they’re classics from the minute they’re released. Symarip’s Skinhead Moonstomp, first issued in 1969, was one of them. The intro grabbed you within seconds, and the invitation to dance was irresistible. “I want all of you skinheads to get upon your feet. Put your braces together and get up on your feet. And give me some of that o-l-d moon stomping...”

On the track ‘Skinhead Jamboree’, they called for less conflict and documented the essential gear for a ‘bovver boy’. The success of ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ led to the release in 1970 of an album of the same name, including versions of Roland Alphonso’s ‘Phoenix City’ as ‘Phoenix Reggae’, Nancy Sinatra’s ‘These Boots Are Made For Walking’, ‘Fung Shu’ and ‘Skinhead Girl’. Singer and trombone player Roy Ellis was the man behind many of their classics. This is the ultimate party album, with an excellent mixture of ska, reggae, and soul music.