Tag: ska

Ease Up – Return to Sender

I’m giving a quick listen to the new three track EP by ska/punk/reggae band Ease Up. I suppose that two and a half songs may be more apt. There are certainly three tracks, but two are very distinct versions of the same song, “Return to Sender” (not a cover). Bear in mind, the order that I am listening to the tracks is not the order that they will be on the release. (See below)

If you are down with any of the above mentioned genres, I think you’ll be pleased with the results of the band’s efforts. The two versions of “Return to Sender” alternate between a decidedly 3rd wave initial take into an sun-drenched island reggae version, heavy on the sleepy ganja-laced vibe. The final track cuts back to the faster and heavier vibe of the first, but with a rather Sublime vs. Less Than Jake appeal.

At the end of it all, this is quintessential SoCal summer beach music. Ska and Reggae vibes mixed with a decent dose of punk swagger.

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Track Listing:
1. Return to Sender (2:43)
2. Turnaround (2:58)
3. Return to Sender (Mix) (3:35)

Get some: http://www.easeupmusic.net

SQUIDHAT RECORDS WELCOMES BAY AREA SKA LEGENDS MONKEY TO THEIR ROSTER

SQUIDHAT RECORDS WELCOMES BAY AREA SKA LEGENDS MONKEY TO THEIR ROSTER WITH THE RELEASE OF “INTERMITTENT” ON CD & LIMITED EDITION ORANGE VINYL

Las Vegas, NV, April 14, 2018 –SquidHat Records is proud to announce the release of Intermittent waves, the new album from Monkey. Available digitally, on CD or limited edition orange vinyl nationally and internationally through MVD Entertainment. The street date is 5/5/18.

The hardest working band on the West Coast is back with their sizzling sixth album! This 5 piece high-energy ska group from the SF Bay Area is famous for intense live shows and rock-steady rhythms that not only get the crowds dancing but have won them several awards, including the prestigious California Music Award. Monkey sets the pace for in-your-face ska, performing over 200 shows per year, while constantly recording and touring.

Spring Heeled Jack – New Release

I’m pleased to report that one of my long time favorite ska bands is back at it with new music. Sound Salvation, the first new material in nearly 20 years will be premiered at the “CINCO DE JACKO RECORD RELEASE FIESTA LOCO !!” … I seriously wish I could attend.

You can get more details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1813172175608675/

At Both Ends – Wheel’s Out The Window

At Both Ends is a pop-punk ska band reminiscent of the big 90’s 3rd wave era. They come from Sacramento and “Wheel’s Out the Window”, released under Morning Wood Records! Is their second album.

Alright, let’s get into it. One word I would use to describe this album is dynamic, and my opinion changed several times as the album progressed. As a predominately hardcore and ska-core fan, I was pleasantly surprised by some elements in this work. From the great rumbling bass riff to a thrash-like breakdown, I found many things to enjoy. Don’t let me paint this as a heavy ska-punk album though. The majority of the riffs are built around a poppy electric (emphasis on electric) guitar that most of the time got on my nerves, as did the singing which I will get into soon.

I do have to say I am a big fan of the horns on this album. Although they aren’t in every song I found them fantastic and well linked with the guitar, but were also original and crisp similar to that of Streetlight Manifesto’s many hits. Overall I am a fan of the music except for the voice. The lyrics and singer definitely put a damper on my appreciation of the piece. Though the songs have themes of unconformity (“Your Way”) and freedom (“Freedom”), the lead singer Gene sounds similar to the tone you think of when someone says pop-punk and not in a good way. Not to mention cheesy lyrics and rhymes, I found the album at its best when there wasn’t any singing at all. However, if Reel Big Fish, Green Day, and Less Than Jake are your jams, I think you will enjoy this album. Personally if Gene could pull off a kind of Jason Navarro of The Suicide Machines this album would be twice as good.

Overall I would recommend the album due to an overall appreciation for creating something fresh in the ska scene that announces similar values to that of the masters. Although I critiqued the guitar heavily, it did have its moments as well as the rest of the instruments. About 2/3 of the songs I can see myself listening to again, leaving about 5 or so songs that were in my opinion mediocre due to a pop sound and vocals.

You can find it at bancamp at:
https://atbothendspunk.bandcamp.com/album/wheels-out-the-window

Thanks for reading and leave your comments and opinions below! What did you think of the album?

-PW

The Best of the Worst – Painted Fools

Ska, Punk, Rock and Roll!

New Jersey based The Best of the Worst is back at it with a brand new EP. Painted Fools (available on 04/20/2017) offers up 7 new tracks of, well, ska, punk, and rock and roll.

From dreamy to screamy the band hits a wide range of sounds both across and within individual tracks. I’ll be honest here, I’m not at all familiar with this band, so I’m going to go out on a limb here with who their influences might be. I hear the subtle guiding hand of Bomb the Music Industry, Less Than Jake, Isaac Green and the Skalars, Lawrence Arms and, I don’t know, maybe some Tom Petty.

I am honestly a bit disappointed that I haven’t heard of them before, because I’m rather enjoying what I’m hearing. They’ve got track complexity, without being obtuse. The songs are well crafted with subtlety and nuance. Good takes. Good mix. There’s a link below. Go and buy a copy. Support local music, even if local is 1000s of miles away from where you really are.

We have the internet people! You can listen to sweet new music and then give a band some of your hard earned ducats so that they too can enjoy the sweet life of top shelf ramen on occasion.

http://chokeartist.storenvy.com/products/19480255-the-best-of-the-worst-painted-fools-cd

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Tracks:
1. Habits Live Hard
2. Inside My Apartment
3. Where Complacency Lives.
4. Spoiler Alert:
5. Doesn’t Really Matter, (feat. Tom Etts)
6. Like Bugs in Amber
7. We’ve Been Held Captive

NEW RELEASE: THE SLACKERS “REDLIGHT” 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION COMES WITH 3 BONUS TRACKS!

Long out-of-print, this classic sophomore album by one of the greatest ska bands ever has been given the proper 20th anniversary treatment. This is a must-have for any Slackers fan, regardless of whether you own the original or not. Having been remastered for vinyl, and pressed on 180gram vinyl, “Redlight” has never sounded as good; and with a two-color foil stamped cover, exclusive art-print insert, and lyric sleeve, it’s never looked so good!

Originally released by Hellcat Records in 1997, this album truly solidified the Slackers’ iconic sound, blending ska, reggae, soul, jazz and dub, seamlessly, with the passion and integrity that the band has embodied for over 25 years.
TRACK LISTING:
A Side
1. Cooking For Tommy
2. Watch This
3. Married Girl
4. I Still Love You
5. Solider
6. Fried Chicken / Mary, MaryB Side
1. You Must Be Good
2. Redlight
3. Tin Tin Deo
4. She Wants To Be Alone
5. Rude And Reckless
6. Come Back Baby

Bonus Digital Tracks:
1. When I Find A Place Where I Belong
2. Calypso Jazz (Iron Bar)
3. Come Back Baby (Glen Adams Mix)

THE SLACKERS’ TOUR DATES:
March 10 – Riverside, CA – Romanos
March 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Skankin Reggae Festival
March 12 – Oakland, CA – Skankin Reggae Festival
March 22 – New Smyrna, Fl – Beachside Tavern
March 23 – Jupiter Beach, FL – Guanabanas
March 24 – Miami, Fl – Churchills
March 25 – Orlando, Fl – Beacham
March 26 – Jacksonville, Fl – Jack Rabbits
March 31 – Winchester, VA – Bright Box
April 1 – Washington DC – Rock and Roll Hotel
April 5 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall
April 6 – London, ON – Rum Runners
April 8 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
April 9 – Syracuse, NY – Funk & Waffles
April 22 – Garwood, NJ – Crossroads
April 26 – Yuma, AZ – Alement
April 27 – Phoenix, Az – Crescent Ballroom
April 28 – Albuquerque, NM – Launch Pad
April 29 – El Paso, Tx – Rockhouse Bar
April 30 – Tuscon, Az – 181 Toole
May 2 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
May 3 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
May 19 – Montreal, QC – Pouzza Fest
May 27 – Las Vegas, NV – Punk Rock Bowling
June 16 – Boston, MA – Boat Cruise
June 23 – New York, NY – Rocks Off Cruise

SAVE FERRIS DEBUT VIDEO FOR “NEW SOUND”

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February 6, 2017 – Los Angeles, CA – Influential Orange County ska-punk band SAVE FERRIS will release their first record in 17 years, Checkered Past, on February 10th via WITHYN Records. In anticipation, the band has teamed up with PasteMagazine.comto premiere a new video for their hot new single “New Sound.” Fans can pre-order the new EP now at iTunes and Amazon.
Watch the video for “New Sound” now, exclusively at PasteMagazine.com:

Speaking with PasteMagazine.com, Save Ferris’ frontwoman Monique Powell says “Filming this video was so much fun because it was literally a house party with our friends. Directing the video was my dear friend Piper Ferguson. I have wanted to do a video with Piper for years but because Piper typically does such high budget productions, I was afraid she might say no. Fortunately this is a situation in which having good friends that are incredibly talented comes in handy. You can truly tell this was a passion project for her. Having Angelo Moore (Fishbone, Angelo Moore and the Brand New Step) there was a given, as we always have so much fun together. The only person missing was Nev, he flew in his parts from the UK.”
The music video for “New Sound” opens at a lame house party that suddenly becomes an epic throwdown with the assistance of Save Ferris. The video features a cameo by Fishbone’s Angelo Moore and a vocal/cameo by Neville Staple, former vocalist for the legendary 2 tone ska band The Specials.
The video comes just days before the release of Save Ferris long-awaited new EP, Checkered Past, and their headline North American tour, which kicks off Friday with support from Vista Kicks (West Coast dates) and Baby Baby (East Coast dates). Dates and links to purchase tickets can be found below. Follow the band at facebook.com/saveferrisofficial for more information.
Save Ferris Tour Dates:
Feb 10 – Santa Barbara, CA – Velvet Jones (Buy Tickets)
Feb 11 – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar (Buy Tickets)
Feb 12 – San Diego, CA – Belly Up (Buy Tickets)
Feb 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Rebel Lounge (Buy Tickets)
Feb 16 – Dallas, TX – Trees (Buy Tickets)
Feb 17 – Austin, TX – Barracuda (Buy Tickets)
Feb 18 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (Buy Tickets)
Feb 20 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall (Buy Tickets)
Feb 22 – Orlando, FL – Backbooth (Buy Tickets)
Feb 23 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live (Buy Tickets)
Feb 24 – St. Petersburg, FL – State Theatre (Buy Tickets)
Feb 25 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (Hell) (Buy Tickets)
Feb 26 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In (Buy Tickets)
Mar 1 – Washington, DC – Black Cat (Buy Tickets)
Mar 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts (Buy Tickets)
Mar 3 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony (Buy Tickets)
Mar 4 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre (Buy Tickets)
Mar 5 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall (Buy Tickets)
Mar 7 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace (Buy Tickets)
Mar 8 – Pittsburgh, PA – Rex Theatre (Buy Tickets)
Mar 9 – Ferndale, MI – Loving Touch (Buy Tickets)
Mar 10 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge (Buy Tickets)
Mar 11 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line (Buy Tickets)
Mar 14 – Denver, CO – Bluebird (Buy Tickets)
Mar 15 – Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall (Buy Tickets)
Mar 17 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre (Buy Tickets)
Mar 18 – Vancouver, BC – Venue (Buy Tickets)
Mar 19 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern (Buy Tickets)
Mar 22 – Santa Cruz, CA – Catalyst Atrium (Buy Tickets)
Mar 23 – San Francisco, CA – Independent (Buy Tickets)
Mar 24 – Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s (Buy Tickets)
Mar 26 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues (Buy Tickets)
For More Information:

And The Wasters – State of Repair EP

© 2017
[rating: 8.5/10]

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Here’s an interesting little slice of audio for ya. State of Repair, a forthcoming EP by Bristol based folk-ska-punk act “And The Wasters”. Five tracks of music spanning several decades of influence.

I’m immediately struck by how much it reminds me of many of my favorite late 70s / early 80s UK favorites: The Specials and Fun Boy Three, Madness, Pogues, Clash, then throw in a bit of more modern influence of Flogging Molly and Gogol Bordello. Blend it up even more with some dub ska instrumental jams ala Skatalites and I think you’ll get a sense of what I’m picking up.

The opening track, Lion’s Share sets the tone of disenchantment. Without picking apart each track, I get a strong sense of anarcho/pirate punk and a bit of an anti-establishment bent, certainly helpful for any sort of protest music. The tracks are up-tempo and catchy and at only five songs, I’m left with wanting more.

I feel like maybe the tracks I’ve been given to listen to are a bit out of order, what with “Intro Dub” occurring last, but hey, who am I to judge? At any rate, I’ve listened to the EP about 10x through now and I am totally into it. If you haven’t heard And The Wasters, I demand you check them out!

“After many years touring Festivals, Squats and far-flung venues, And the Wasters have evolved from their Folk-Punk-Ska roots through elements of Hip-hop, Balkan & Latin. They weld this explosive musical concoction with an empowering political message to create a relentless live energy!” ~And The Wasters

https://willtunandthewasters1.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/willtunandthewasters

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Tracks:
1. Lion’s Share
2. Small Victories
3. Reduce, Reuse, Rebel
4. Bound as One
5. Intro Dub