When I think of ska and the state of Wisconsin, my brain always goes to The Pacers. They were a ska band in the early ’90s that disbanded just as they were hitting their stride. I’m digressing though. I bring up The Pacers for one reason. From here on out, Courtesy of Tim and Meskales are now officially on my list right next to them. They are the three best ska bands from Wisconsin.
Unidos Vencemos, Divided We Fall is my first real exposure to either of these bands. While I knew the style of music each band played, when I put the split in, I got to experience them both with fresh ears. For the uninitiated, both bands are ska punk bands that will make you think while you dance along. After one spin, I was a fan. Then, since it was only four songs long, I listened to it again. And Again. And Again.
While this album has been in the works since 2017, it took a global pandemic for both bands to final get things rolling. Each band provided two tracks: one new track that touches on important topics in society today and a cover of each other’s songs. It’s funny, just this week, I was lamenting on how much I missed the BYO Split Series. With the split from Courtesy of Tim and Meskales, we get the best of both worlds.
Courtesy of Tim’s Contributions
Unidos Vencemos Divided We Fall starts off with piercing horn blasts on “American Travesty” – appropriate foreshadowing for what’s to come. With this track, Courtesy of Tim takes on systematic racism and police brutality. If the “Black Lives Matter” slogan with the names of victims of police violence on the cover wasn’t a big enough clue for Courtesy of Tim’s stance on the issue, this song makes it crystal clear.
Written after George Floyd’s death, the song makes a desperate plea for things to change. The song really doesn’t pull any punches either. The band isn’t scared to call out the ingrained systemic racism they see with the modern police department. While the song has the desperate tone, it makes it clear this generation isn’t afraid to stand up for justice.
Lyrics like:
Tears bring only canisters to fill our eyes again
Our breaths bring only noxious gas
A million lost lives are reflected
In the kaleidoscope of shattered glass
Remove the knee pressed to the neck for 400 years
acknowledge the struggle and the fighting left to do.
“American Travesty” is an urgent ska punk call to arms. If you like bands like Less Than Jake and Catch 22, then you’ll dig Courtesy of Tim. Solid songwriting and musicianship. Their brass section also needs to be commended. In the original song and on the Meskales cover, they drive the songs forward with their power and tone. So good.
Meskales’s Contribution
While all of the demonstrations for racial equality and against police brutality were going on, there was also a virus that was running rampant across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely altered the way we live. Everything going on in 2020 – whether it was civil unrest, or the devastation brought upon by COVID-19 – is enough to topple even the strongest person. Meskales offers up “Escapar” as the salve to those feelings.
Translating to “Escape” in English, “Escapar” reminds us that life can be tough.
Instead of letting life crush us, the song emphasizes the importance of self-care and mental health awareness. Using the backdrop of the pandemic’s devastation all of the horrible things that happened in 2020, Meskales urges the listener to take some time for themselves. It asks for you to check on your friends and family to make sure they’re okay. Instead of falling into the abyss, face the day with love, support, and to only focus on what you can control.
Sonically, there’s a lot going on with “Escapar.” Even if you don’t understand Spanish, the energy the song gives off is all you need. It transitions from funky surf rock, to brass heavy sections, to fast and driving three chord punk, to sections that remind me of The Pilfers or Bim Skala Bim. The folks in Meskales are masters of their craft. The music offers the listener up an escape. It’s high energy and is intended to help exorcise your demons. When I listen to it, I can literally close my eyes and visualize just how this song would translate live. I need it now, more than ever.
Meskales end the split with a fun rendition of the Courtesy of Tim song, “Pop Song.” By translating the lyrics into Spanish, and adding their own flair. Meskales makes it their own. To me, listening to Meskales cover this song, I’m reminded of how good covers songs and splits can be when the two bands gel and have fun with each other’s songs. The love and care with both “Pop Song” and Courtesy of Tim’s rendition of “Skawboy” are easily apparent. I’m really glad both bands decided to add a cover song as well.
Final Thoughts
If you aren’t familiar with either band yet, Unidos Vencemos Divided We Fall is a perfect introduction to them both. They both sing about difficult topics, but do so with such precision. At face value, both originals come off as really good ska punk songs. But, when you give them a more critical listen, you’re rewarded with heartfelt topics. Whether you want to dance, or find a song to add to your favorite political playlists, there’s something here for you. If you’re a fan of ska punk, you need to know these bands. If you’re not a fan, these two bands may just convert you.
At present, you can check out the split on your favorite streaming service, or by purchasing from bandcamp.