The common thread most of this generation’s ska bands share is that they’re not afraid to experiment. Sure, there are still traditional bands in the scene, but the ska punk bands aren’t as cut and dry as they once were. There’s so much variety out there right now, that ska music is just more enjoyable than it has been in years. This trend of genre-blending and experimentation continues with Flying Raccoon Suit’s Afterglow.
At its heart, ska is dance music, which lends itself so well to mixing elements from other genres for a more complete experience. On Afterglow, there’s a strong ska backbone to be sure, but that’s just scratching the surface. On any given song, you’ll be treated to everything from jazz, funk, and Dixie, all the way to metal. None of it sounds out of place. In fact, it’s the most cohesive Flying Raccoon Suit has ever sounded. The band’s evolution that really started to take shape on the Static Home EP is now fully realized. Afterglow-era FRS may just end up being the definitive version of the band.
Like a kaleidoscope, songs even shift from beginning to end. On “Driftwood,” for instance, they lead with heavier rock-fused guitar and drums. From there, it melts into more surf rock, then big band swing. Vocally, Jessica Jeansonne seems to be channeling her inner B-52s with some of her vocal choices. This song does a good job of encompassing the major themes of the album. It touches on mental health and the feeling of slipping into a state of depression. It also touches on the “Afterglow” of optimism to look forward to in the future. So, while the album touches on the pitfalls of depression, it also does a good job of reminding us that good days are on the horizon. A message that is particularly poignant in this day and age.
“Driftwood” isn’t the only song that plays with so many genres either. With “Bleed Me Dry,” you get a very horn forward song that breaks down to metal with a minute to go. The coolest thing about that song is that the horns rise to the challenge and increase their intensity in that section of the song too. It’s really a standout. There are also some fun punk-forward songs like “Everyone Else,” and “Hive Mind” if that’s your jam too. There’s literally a song for just about everyone on Afterglow.
One of my favorite tracks on the album is “Don’t Wait.” The guitar work from Andrew Heaton has a really cool jazz feel to it in the beginning, while the horns and vocals feel a little more big band and doo wop. The music is just so playful. If you get bored listening to this album, then you may just not have a soul. I’m kidding about that last part. Potentially.
When you listen to this album, it would’ve been pretty easy for it to be a jumbled mess considering how much is going on. What I think is a testament to the band’s craft is that despite all of the stylistic changes in each song, nothing feels forced. Shifting from atmospheric indie, to jazz, to ska in one song? That shouldn’t work, but it does. And it works so well. Major props go out to the band’s drummer Derek Kerley. He also assumes production duty here, and he did a masterful job of making what may just be the most diverse ska album that comes out this year.
You owe it to yourself to listen to Afterglow. When you do, make sure to listen to it from front to back. It deserves to be enjoyed just as Flying Raccoon Suit intended without skipping around.