Some people will forever think of the legendary Dance Music for the 80's Depression single at the slightest mention of The Rifffs. Despite a lengthy hiatus that lasted almost two decades however, there's no denying the band has come a long way since regrouping in 2006. With two acclaimed albums under their belt and their legacy in Maltese musical history ensured, The Rifffs have been staking their claim internationally these past few years, giving live performances in various European countries and festivals, among them the prestigious London Ska Festival, which further consolidated their standing among the international ska scene.
The band's 2014 album Can’t Stop The People has been a major catalyst in The Rifffs' rise in popularity, yielding a number of singles that have earned them a whole new army of fans far and wide. The most recent of these singles is Bad Seed, which features the legendary Neville Staple from The Specials, widely-known as The Original Rude Boy. Another stunning slice of contemporary ska, Bad Seed also incorporates an obvious nod to the ska of yesteryear; the end product evocative of The Specials' own majestic debut outing. The single also comes accompanied by a music video shot in Malta and the UK, featuring both the band and Neville Staple .Speaking about the collaboration, Rifffs' frontman Ray Mercieca said, "It’s truly an honour to have one of our idols, an international music icon who inspired so many artists around the globe join us on this track".
It's worth mentioning that Neville Staple will be in Malta with his band to perform at this year's 10th Anniversary edition of Earth Garden. Staple is one of this year's headlining acts alongside The Rifffs. The Earth Garden performance will be a welcome opportunity for the band to prepare itself for another significant step in consolidating its international fanbase, as it readies itself to play at Boomtown in the UK this coming August.