If you’ve been following the latest in the ska scene today, then you probably already know Eichlers and GET TUFF. Eichlers is the face of hyperska – a hybrid of ska, hyper pop, and emo-trap. Ike’s music is as dynamic as it sounds, and really encompasses the historical spirit of ska music and its style blending. GET TUFF is known mainly for their work in the punk and emo world, but they just did some guest vocals on a Skatune Network track too! On IKE & TUFF GO TO HOLLYWOOD, the two join forces on a four song EP that leaves the listener wanting a full-length from them immediately.
The opening track is the sweet and sincere original “MAKEMEFAMOUS.” On it, Ike and Tuff offer up a lo-fi pop and R&B-infused ballad about fame. In today’s world of social media and influencers, the two are looking for their shot at fame. In his verse, Ike sings “I just want to be a fucking icon.” There’s almost a slight pang of sadness with his delivery. The sadness seems to extend to Tuff’s portion of the song where they bring up missed payments and feeling aimless. The song is short and sweet, while also including a little humor, whimsy, playfulness, and sadness about fame. It’s amazing that both of them could bring about all those feels in less than three minutes.
After the original offering, we’re treated to remixes of each other’s songs. Up first, GET TUFF takes “The Bruise” off i may b cute but im dumb af. The original has a very upbeat indie hip hop feel to it. GET TUFF turns the track into something a little more nefarious. With some pounding sounding beats, it sounds like the song has more of a dark intention. Almost like a toxic love.
For the remix Eichlers worked on, he chose “Misery (Makes You Dance)” from this year’s in sickness and in hell. The GET TUFF version has a bit of a Grimes meets Hayley Williams vibe to it. Ike takes that skeleton and layers in his brand of hyperska. The upstrokes of the guitars and the voice effects transform this song just as much as TUFF transformed his song.
Remixes are always so interesting to me because I love to hear other artist’s interpretations of their colleague’s music. GET TUFF’s soaring and melodic vocals add even more layers and complexities to the track. It’s just so good.
Closing out the EP is a cover song that is 100 times better than the original. As the bow on top, Ike and Tuff cover the Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow ballad “Picture.” As a Michigan native, I was wary of hearing them do a Kid Rock song for personal reasons. After hearing it though, I want the IKE and TUFF version of “Picture” to become the definitive one. If we’re going to get the bad taste of Kid Rock out of our mouths, this cover is a great start.
IKE AND TUFF GOES TO HOLLYWOOD features two of the more innovative and original voices in the punk, emo, and ska scenes.
If this is any indication of what’s coming next from either of them, we’re all in for a treat.