2 Tone
Noun
Meaning
2 Tone (uncountable)
A British ska revival genre of the late 1970s, fusing traditional ska music with punk rock elements.
Synonyms
Examples
2 Tone music developed in and around Coventry in the 1970s and two of the genre's most notable bands, The Specials and The Selecter are both from the city.
Compared to 1960s ska, 2 Tone music had faster tempos, fuller instrumentation and a harder edge.
Although only on the 2 Tone label for one single, Madness was one of the most effective bands at bringing the 2 Tone genre into the mainstream.
It was also the name of a Danish 2 Tone band.
One of the most prominent bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s 2 Tone ska revival, they continue to perform with their most recognised line-up of seven members.
The 2 Tone movement promoted racial unity at a time when racial tensions were high in the UK.