Earlier this year, Connecticut-based ska punk band Sgt. Scag released a 7 inch with Austin’s Hans Gruber and the Die Hards. Sgt. Scag’s contribution to the split, “Cultination,” is the first major physical release from the band since the days when CDs ruled the world and vinyl was old and lame. As with most things, what’s old is new again, and vinyl has surpassed the popularity of that shiny, little disc.
It’s the thought of yesteryear that drives the narrative in Sgt. Scag’s video for “Funai Elektric,” which was released last December. In the video, Sgt. Scag’s lead singer, Steve, is working on a time machine. His grand scheme is to travel back to the time when CDs were popular and relive the good old days, and build his fanbase even more. The video was originally released as a tribute to music venues affected by COVID-19 lockdowns. It’s a love letter to New Haven, Connecticut music, but also the start of a potential Sgt. Scag music video trilogy.
Sgt. Scag 2: Electric Boogaloo – “Cultination”
It’s important to understand where you’ve been before you talk about where you are. Thematically and narratively, it’s important to be aware of “Funai Elektric” before talking about “Cultination” (plus, it’s a killer song!). Just this week, Sgt. Scag releases the video for their single from Sgt. Scag vs. Hans Gruber and the Die Hards, “Cultination.” In my original review of the 7 inch, I compared the song to bands like Fishbone and Gangster Fun. That comparison still stands. It’s an infectious ska – pop punk hybrid that will get your head bobbing and singing along to the “Let’s Start a Cult” chorus. The horns are also major stars of the song, as it’s a very horn heavy track. The cadence used for the lyrics even reminds me of some of the more poppy songs from The Offspring at times as well. Really, if you like pop punk, ska, and a little bit of funk, this song is right up your alley.
Lyrically, the song continues the theme that began with “Funai Elektric.” Steve sings about going back in time, and starting a cult of followers who worship their old CDs. It’s great! The video takes that narrative and turns it on its side. The band were able to activate the time machine, but they didn’t make it back to 1999 as anticipated. Instead, they get sucked into the “Creative Void” and turned into puppets. From there, they broadcast puppetizer rays all over the world, turn everyone in the world into puppets, and find new ways to infect the world with their music. And, just like Empire Strikes Back, the video leaves the viewer with a cliffhanger. There better be a finale to this trilogy! There are so many unanswered questions! The first two videos are so much fun, so I really do hope there’s more on the way. Sgt. Scag sounds as good, if not better, than they did in the ’90s, so I’m really happy they’re back to making music on a more regular timeline. The ska punk community is better with them, than without.
