Sgt. Scag – Everest (Official Video)

On Friday, September 8, Sgt Scag released the single “Everest” off of At Least More than Half-Way Dead. The music video was directed by Mike DeMatteo of Sgt. Scag. About the “Everest” music video, vocalist Steve Lonergan says, “‘Everest’ is a song for all the people who ever had to attend a company kick off meeting or industry conference. Tony Robbins, Gary Vee, Snake oil salesmen, organized religions that pass a hat. All bad. All predatory. All nonsense. Plus, ain’t New Haven pretty from up there?”

Mega Infinity – Chaos Magick

Chaos Magick, the new EP from Mega Infinity is a pop-hook fueled, indie alternative rocker with four tracks of eclectic electric rock and roll. The lyrics are intimate and smart, revealing a scene that is all too often male-centric and misogynistic. While the title track offers up the positive aspects of artistic endeavors and the support of a strong community, Track two, “Dude Poisoning” launches a salvo against the pervasive negative aspects of the scene.

The EP provides four tracks in all, each with their own particular style and charm. The music is very vocally driven, with a range of instrumental support acting to reinforce a strong voice. Crunchy guitars and various electronica are laced throughout. A bonus is the bands take on the Alanis Morrisette track, “You Oughta Know”

Go ahead and diversify your collection and check it out. You can check out the video for Chaos Magick premiering today over on Punk News.

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Tracks:
Chaos Magick
Dude Poisoning
Look Alive
You Oughta Know

For fans of: Sonic Boom Six, Rage Against the Machine, Just Friends, Don Broco, 100 Gecs, Flying Raccoon Suit, Nova Twins

    Bio:
    Mega Infinity are Michi (Turk) and Mike DiGiulio from Long Island NY. The two met while working in a grocery store, far from Michi’s home. They had a feeling that it would be the right move for them as a musician when they were transferred.

    In 2014, Michi formed this band with Mike’s friend Andrew. In 2018, Mike stepped in as guitarist and a main songwriter. The band’s sound took a turn towards heavier riffs and the inclusion of more electronic elements fused in with rock. 

    Mike and Michi, living together, started writing more songs together and hosting a weekly livestream including other musicians. In 2021 Mike proposed to Michi on stream 

    The stream opened them to meeting bands from all over they wouldn’t have had the chance to meet including Flying Raccoon Suit, Eichlers, Tape Girl, and more who influenced them to take chances musically.

    They were inspired to blend genres and styles that are unexpected, with elements of indie, emo, pop, hip-hop, ska, and progressive rock. They try to stay true to taking risks musically while having lyrics which tie together themes of perseverance, standing up for what you believe in and love for each other and their fans who they call the Megababes. 

    Their debut album Rainbow Heartache came out in December 2021. In 2023, they played for the first time in Texas for SPI Fest and went back into the studio soon after. Chaos Magick is produced by Nicholas Starrantino and Mike DiGiulio. They joined the Ska Punk International Family. Chaos Magick is releasing on Ska Punk International on October 10, 2023.

    Simple Minded Symphony – Feather (Official Video)

    The song “Feather” is about experiencing burn out as a creator against the routine of working to pay the bills. In the music video, an artist going about his routine is followed around by members of the band who take the scraps of his crumpled thrown up artwork to have a fight with the balled up artwork like snowballs.The video is warm and fun, much like the progressive groove matched with the earnest lyrics. 

    The video was directed by vocalist/bassist, Kevin Silveira. “Feather” features the artwork of Melon Bobby instagram.com/melonbobby Simple Minded Symphony will be available on all streaming platforms Tuesday, August 22. Vinyl pre-orders begin today at Ska Punk International: skapunkinternational.com

    Mustard Plug – Fall Apart

    Mustard Plug have shared the video for their new track “Fall Apart” off their upcoming album, Where Did All My Friends Go? Out in September on Bad Time Records.

    Grand Rapids ska-punk legends Mustard Plug are back with their 8th studio album titled Where Did All My Friends Go? that will be released on Friday, September 8th. The band will be joining the ever growing and exciting roster of Bad Time Records who have carefully cultivated a community around all things ska over the last five years. Once again, Mustard Plug have teamed up with Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore at the infamous Blasting Room to produce an album that captures everything that has made Mustard Plug a fan favorite over the last 30 years. Mustard Plug will be touring in support of Where Did All My Friends Go? throughout the rest of 2023 and will be linking up with Toasters, Half Past Two, Matomska!, Big D and the Kids Table, The Slackers, and Stop the Presses on select dates. 

    Tour Dates:
    September 7th @ Reggie’s – Chicago, IL
    September 8th @ Magic Bag – Detroit, MI
    September 9th @ Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
    September 10th @ Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH
    October 6th @ El Corazon – Seattle, WA
    October 7th @ Dante’s – Portland, OR
    October 8th @ John Henry’s – Eugene, OR
    October 9th @ Cornerstone – Berkeley, CA
    October 10th @ Catalyst Atrium – Santa Cruz, CA
    October 11th @ Goldfield Trading Post – Sacramento, CA
    October 12th @ Knitting Factory – Hollywood, CA
    October 13th @ Garden Amp – Garden Grove, CA
    October 14th @ Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ
    October 14th @ The Holding Company – San Diego, CA
    October 28th @ Heartwood (FEST) – Gainesville, FL
    October 29th @ High Dive (FEST) – Gainesville, FL
    November 9th @ X-Ray Arcade – Milwaukee, WI
    November 10th @ Uptown VFW – Minneapolis, MN
    November 11th @ High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI
    November 12th @ Blueberry Hill (Duck Room) – St. Louis, MO
    December 13th @ Rumba Cafe – Columbus, OH
    December 14th @ Black Cat – Washington D.C.
    December 15th @ Broken Goblet Brewing – Bensalem, PA
    December 16th @ Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY
    December 17th @ The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA

    Public Serpents – When Pigs Lie (Official Music Video SBÄM Records 2023)

    New Jersey crust-ska punks Public Serpents (featuring former Choking Victim member Skwert Gunn) released their new song and video “When Pigs Lie” today. The video was shot and edited by Benjamin Clapp. Watch it below.

    The Slackers Announce Reissue Of “The Question” 2xLP

    Available On March 3rd Through Pirates Press Records And March 24th Through Record Stores Comes In Two Different Variants

    New York City, NY — February 10, 2023 — Legendary reggae act THE SLACKERS have announced that their 1998 album, “The Question,” will be reissued via Pirates Press Records. The double LP, available in 12″ Black and 12″ Blue & Green ‘Galaxy’ vinyl, will be available on March 3rd on Pirates Press Records’ webstore and on March 24th in record stores around the world. This release is the latest chapter in the fruitful relationship between The Slackers & Pirates Press Records. With the reissue of “The Question” joining those of “Redlight,” “Wasted Days,” and “Live at Ernesto’s,” the band’s LP output from their explosive creative period between 1997-2000 – as well as the acclaimed 2006 LP “Peculiar” – are all back in print on vinyl for fans & collectors alike! The band has also issued their best-selling brand new LP “Don’t Let the Sunlight Fool Ya” via the label, alongside numerous 12″ and 7″ singles.

    “The Question” was originally released in 1998 on Hellcat Records and followed up their breakthrough, critically-acclaimed release “Redlight.” While “Redlight” put them squarely in the spotlight of the reggae and ska scenes of the late 90s, “The Question” undoubtedly reaffirmed that they were deserving of such recognition. CMJ’s Mark Woodlief proclaimed “The Question” was “…one of the brightest and most understated moments of the modern ska era.”

    The Slackers took no time in 2022 making up for two years of inactivity due to the pandemic. Last spring, the band released “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” which hit #1 on the Billboard Reggae Charts. They coupled this with relentless touring and could’ve easily rest on this. Instead, they then released a two-song 12″ UV printed record called “New York Berlin / Tell Them No” which added two more tracks to their already massive catalog.

    In support of these new releases and reissues, the band will continue to travel the world including an already announced U.S. tour coupled with several European festival appearances.
    Rolling Stone has hailed The Slackers as “THE legendary New York City ska band” and this is by no means hyperbole. Having formed in 1991, The Slackers released their debut album in 1996, “Better Late Than Never,” and then signing with Epitaph Records and releasing their breakthrough full-length, “Redlight,” in 1997. From there, the band traveled the world and began to develop a prolific audience through their fun and energetic shows.

    14 full-lengths later, countless EPs, singles, and touring all around the world playing to thousands and thousands of fans from Tokyo, Japan to their hometown of New York City, The Slackers have remained the standard bearer for modern ska and reggae. Marc Wasserman, author of “Skaboom! An American Ska & Reggae Oral History,” says The Slackers’ “…songs are about real darkness, depression, anger, sadness and loneliness, and some of the political songs as well are pretty vibrant.”

    The New York Times dubbed the Slackers part of ‘the sound of New York,’ and The Slackers just keep at it, only improving with age and experience – writing better and better songs, and continuing to build and strengthen that global Slackers family. Washington Post has described the impact The Slackers have left on the ska scene: “The Slackers have become the elder statesmen in American ska music, setting the stage for a new generation of musicians and a thriving scene….they remain at the top of their game.”
    Catch The Slackers on tour:
    04/17/2023 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
    04/18/2023 – Charleston, SC – Tin Roof Alley
    04/19/2023 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre
    04/20/2023 – Blacksburg, VA – The Lyric
    04/21/2023 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage
    04/22/2023 – Croydon, PA – Broken Goblet Brewery
    04/23/2023 – Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse
    04/25/2023 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
    04/26/2023 – Buffalo, NY – Mohawk Place
    04/27/2023 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Opera House
    04/28/2023 – Kitchener, Ontario, Canada – The Hub
    04/30/2023 – Ithaca, NY – Deep Dive05/17/2023 – St. Louis, MO – Blueberry Hill
    05/18/2023 – Kansas City, MO – Madrid Theatre
    05/19/2023 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown
    05/20/2023 – Denver, CO – TBA
    05/21/2023 – Colorado – TBA
    05/23/2023 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
    05/25/2023 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
    05/26/2023 – Flagstaff, AZ – Yucca North
    05/27/2023 – Las Vegas, NV – Punk Rock Bowling
    8/03/2023-8/05/2023 – Blackpool, UK –  Rebellion Festival
    08/08/2023-08/11/2023 – Tolmin, Slovenia – Punk Rock Holiday

    The Slackers are:
    Vic Ruggiero – vocals, organ
    Agent Jay – guitar
    Dave Hillyard – saxophone
    Glen Pine – trombone, vocals
    Marcus Geard – bass
    Ara Babajian – drums

    The Amalgamated – True Tone

    True Tone is the brand new album from San Diego, CA’s smooth Ska stars, The Amalgamated. Recorded at The After Hours Studio in Ramona, CA by Dub Robot (Brian Wallace). The band says, “We are very proud of the original songs we have written and it is mostly Ska with a few Sweet Rocksteady and Boss Reggae tunes.”

    This release provides 12 tracks of, as mentioned, Ska performed by the 10-member ensemble. The sound is heavily influenced by 60s Ska and Jazz with Rocksteady and Reggae influences as well. Musicianship is top notch, as it really has to be to coordinate with that many band members. Vocal delivery is reminiscent of Dr. Ringding, or at times Ansis Purins of Skavoovie and the Epitones, and always smooth. 

    Standout tracks include “Is It Wrong” with its Dub style winding out the song, and the amazing horn lines on “Deal With It.” 

    I won’t belabor the point here. Do you like Traditional Ska? If you do, please do yourself a favor and check out True Tone, the latest release for The Amalgamated. You won’t be disappointed.

    Cheers!
    Jerry Actually

    Bio:
    Formed in 2007 in San Diego, CA, The Amalgamated are an incredible live band that makes everyone dance to up-tempo beats and also get the audience into a groove with light reggae textures. 

    Hans Gruber and the Die Hards – With A Vengeance

    You’re probably like me. You just want a little bit of Ska Punk to listen to. Maybe you want it to be flavored with a delicate hint of Bluebonnets? Why wouldn’t you? Well then dig into this. “With A Vengeance” is the 4th full album from Austin TX band Hans Gruber and the Die Hards, and it’s pretty damn kickass!

    Pre-order’s for the 2nd pressing can be found here.

    The album opens with a cumbia inspired track, “Nothing Like a Good Old Fashioned Witch Hunt”. The band has this to say about it:

    “Nothing Like a Good Old Fashioned Witch Hunt” started as a musical exploration into Kurt’s obsession with the horn heavy Cumbia sounds he was introduced to while living in Texas. Not being one to shy away from cramming several genres together, we also managed to flow through some hardcore and punk rhythms in the piece.

    Lyrically, this song represents some stream of consciousness frustrations Kurt had with some of his friends, family and self, that, in retrospect, also reflect some of the more bizarre aspects of modern American culture.

    We’d love to tell you the old fashioned 3D effects applied to this music video is about world views and our split nation. But it’s just because we thought it looked cool. Feel free to read into it and give the video some depth and meaning for us.

    “With a Vengeance” is the most “Hans Gruber and the Die Hards-y” album we’ve done. Cliche as it is to say, it’s been a weird time getting this out and we can’t be more proud.

    ~Kurt, Rosey and Chris

    The music and lyrical content is diverse. From the highly controversial “No No Bronto”, a ska punk treatise on the non-existence of the Brontosaurus to the sweep arpeggios accompanying the doom metal sounds of “My Friend Chuck”, into the haunting proto-occult wailings of “Vril Society”, each track rings out a distinct piece of the cohesive whole.

    The clearly tongue-in-cheek lyrics of “Let’s Drive Everywhere” provided a glimpse into the band’s environmental standpoint. “Squatcore” featuring Omnigone is a shout along punk rock banger extolling the virtues of physical fitness, obviously. 

    16 tracks in 29 minutes sets for a breakneck pace, punctuated by an interesting theatrical intermission with their cover of Brazil. It’s a fantastic album. I highly encourage you to check it out, if you haven’t already. As a final note, if you have dandruff, you may want to double check that it isn’t actually ghosts and/or demons. Can’t be too safe.

    Cheers!
    Jerry Actually

    Tracks:
    1. Nothing Like a Good Old Fashioned Witch Hunt 01:59
    2. No No Bronto 01:46
    3. My Friend Chuck 01:20
    4. Vril Society 02:18
    5. No Outside Tanks 01:52
    6. Time, I Don’t Want It Anymore 01:25
    7. Blood on the Walls 00:42
    8. Brazil 02:21
    9. Let’s Drive Everywhere 01:58
    10. An Old Man Like Me 02:17
    11. Monster of Walgren Lake 02:26
    12. Credit Cards are a Product of Satan 01:33
    13. Dandruff 01:21
    14. You’re Being Watched 01:49
    15. Squatcore feat. Adam Davis 01:14
    16. Praise to the Algorithm 02:30 

    Hans Gruber and the Die Hards is:
    Chris Thompson – Drums, Vocals, Theremin, Ukulele
    Rosey Armstrong – Tenor Saxophone, Vocals
    Kurt Armstrong – Vocals, Bass, Trombone, Kazoo

    Additional musicians:
    Hans Emanuelson – Guitars, Keys, Trumpet, Ukulele, Backing Vocals
    Nick Tozzo – Timbales, Congas, Triangle, Guira, Shaker, Tambourine on Tracks 1, 8 and 9
    Eric Molina – Baritone Saxophone on Track 1
    Jose Noriega – Sousaphone on Tracks 2, 8 and 13
    Dave Cavallo – Backup Vocals on Tracks 3 and 8
    Drew Leclaire – Backup Vocals on Track 8, Theremin on Track 4
    Adam Davis – Vocals on Track 15
    Co-Produced, Mixed and Recorded by Drew Leclair

    Recorded at Studio 8522, Hokus Tracks and Vine Recording. Mixed at Vine Recording.

    Mastered by Luis Crivelli             

    Bio:
    Menacingly fun, Hans Gruber and the Die Hards brand of punk/ska mashes genres together like a toddler eating chocolate cake – with messy intensity for maximum enjoyment. From Boston hardcore to Colombian cumbia, southern gospel to crossover thrash, their live shows are filled with pits, sock puppets, conga lines and confusion – if you are nihilistic enough to jump in feet first. 

    Formed in Austin, TX as a four piece in 2014, the band shamelessly embraces change. Over the years they added a full time Saxophone player, as well as parted ways with two of their founding members. Their newest album,  “With A Vengeance,” represents the best of times with the former lineup, the struggles of a new era after their departure, and finding a new voice through these very same songs. 

    Much like their ability to combine musical genres, their lyrics tread a fine line between metaphor, truth, sarcasm and lies, assuming their audiences have the know-how to join them on this magical journey.

    Possessed by unbridled joy for music, Hans Gruber and the Die Hards continue to push forward looking for the next venue to haunt as they chant: IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER!

    The Slackers Announces New Album And Debuts New Song & Video On Brooklyn Vegan

    New album Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya available for pre-order

    Click here to watch

    New York City, NY — February 3, 2022 —New York City reggae legends THE SLACKERS are debuting the song and video for “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” on Brooklyn Vegan which is also the title track from their brand new upcoming album. This record, their first in 7 years and 15th full-length in their career, is now available on Pirates Press Records’ webstore.

    Frontman Vic Ruggiero describes the writing process and meaning behind the song: “Yeah, it’s the springtime…it looks really nice thru the window. The sun feels good… You go outside and all of a sudden you realize it’s winter still… It’s like you thought you put sugar in your coffee, but it was salt.”

    (Clip from the video for “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya”)

    Rolling Stone recently hailed The Slackers as “THE legendary New York City ska band” and this is by no means hyperbole. Having formed in 1991, The Slackers released their debut album in 1996, Better Late Than Never, and then signing with Epitaph Records and releasing their breakthrough full-length, Redlight, in 1997. From there, the band traveled the world and began to develop a prolific audience through their fun and energetic shows.

    14 full-lengths later, countless EPs, singles, and touring all around the world playing to thousands and thousands of fans from Tokyo, Japan to their hometown of New York City, The Slackers return with Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya. Marc Wasserman, author of “Skaboom! An American Ska & Reggae Oral History,” says The Slackers’ “…songs are about real darkness, depression, anger, sadness and loneliness, and some of the political songs as well are pretty vibrant.”

    “In the middle of 2020, every time we started doing a livestream, we would stay after and start recording new music. By the middle of 2021, we had an album recorded. A lot of these tunes like “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” were written right after we had just gotten out of lockdown,” says saxophonist Dave Hillyard.

    The New York Times dubbed the Slackers part of ‘the sound of New York,’ and The Slackers just keep at it, only improving with age and experience – writing better and better songs, and continuing to build and strengthen that global Slackers family. Washington Post has described the impact The Slackers have left on the ska scene: “The Slackers have become the elder statesmen in American ska music, setting the stage for a new generation of musicians and a thriving scene….they remain at the top of their game.”

    After releasing several singles with Pirates Press Records (“Windowland/I Almost Lost You,” “Nobody’s Listening/Sleep Outside,” and “Love I Bring), The Slackers are once again hitting the road all year long to support a new set of tunes and once again have fans around the world put on their dancing shoes for another evening with these renowned musicians. This album is a testament to the age and experience this band has accrued over their 30+ year career. These special tunes will undoubtedly travel far and wide, just like the band will, performing these songs in a club near you!

    (The cover art for Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya)

    Catch The Slackers on tour:
    03/30/2022 – Harrisburg, PA – Stage On Herr
    4/07/2022 – Rehoboth Beach, DE – Arenas
    4/08/2022 – Virginia Beach, VA – Bunker Brewpub
    4/10/2022 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
    5/7/2022 – Jersey City, NJ – White Eagle Hall
    5/12/2022 Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey
    5/13/2022 Montreal, QC – Cafe Campus
    5/14/2022 Quebec City, QC – L’Antibar
    5/17/2022 Salt Lake City, UT – Commonwealth Room
    5/18/2022 Denver, Co – Oriental Theater
    5/20/2022 – Dallas, TX – Three Links
    5/21/2022 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
    5/22/2022 – San Antonio, TX – Rockbox
    5/24/2022 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
    5/27/2022 – Flagstaff, Az – Yucca Room
    5/28/2022 – Phoenix, Az – Crescent Ballroom
    9/26/2022 – Birmingham, UK – Hare and Hounds
    9/27/2022 – Manchester, UK – Retro
    9/28/2022 – Huddersfield, UK – Parish
    9/30/2022 – London, UK – Underworld
    10/1/2022 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club
    10/2/2022 – Newcastle, UK – Think Tank
    10/3/2022 – Bristol, UK – Exchange
    10/4/2022 – Antwerp, Belgium – Kavka
    10/6/2022 – Haarlem, Netherlands – Patroonaat
    10/7/2022 – Den Haag, Netherlands – Paard
    10/8/2022 – Sittard, Netherlands – Ernestos
    10/11/2022 – Zurich, Switzerland – Komplex
    10/12/2022 – Munich, Germany – Feierwerk
    10/13/2022 – Vienna, Austria – Arena
    10/15/2022 – Sluderno, Italy – Loki
    10/16/2022 – Nuremberg, Germany – Desi
    10/17/2022 – Hannover, Germany – Lux
    10/18/2022 – Berlin, Germany – S036
    10/19/2022 – Hamburg, Germany – Molotov
    10/21/2022 – Koln, Germany – Gebaude 9
    10/22/2022 – Arlon, Belgium – L’entrepot

    The Slackers are:
    Vic Ruggiero – vocals, organ
    Agent Jay – guitar
    Dave Hillyard – saxophone
    Glen Pine – trombone, vocals
    Marcus Geard – bass
    Ara Babajian – drums