When I was in elementary school, I started playing the trombone. Everyone at my school had to choose an instrument, and since I had “big lungs,” the band teacher thought trombone made the most sense for me. I eventually quit because the teacher just didn’t inspire me to keep playing. It’s a shame the members of Arlington, Texas ska band Flip and the Combined Effort didn’t teach me instead. If they did, I would for sure be in a ska band by now.
The band’s members are all music teachers in some capacity. It’s no secret that teachers have been on a rollercoaster these past few years. During the beginning days of the pandemic, they were heroes. Now, they’re criticized for prioritizing health and a real education. It’s my opinion that teachers need to catch a break one of these days. They’re providing a critical service to our country, and right now, their morale is at an all-time low.
Enter Flip and the Combined Effort.
For Teacher Appreciation Week this year, their new EP released. Entitled Hi, is this Ska’s Mom?, it features three songs that should put smiles on the faces of their colleagues in the education field. That’s because each of the three songs are completely relatable to those in the teaching profession. Up first to talk about is a catchy pop punk / ska hybrid track called “This Could Have Been an E-mail”. While the song gears itself towards teachers and the teacher development days, and afterschool staff meetings and the like, I’m guessing everyone in a corporate role somewhere is also ailing from death by meeting. This song is tongue-in-cheek, sarcastic, and most of all, catchy. It just makes sense that a bunch of music teachers would be able to knock it out of the park with this EP.
Outside of the e-mail topic, Flip also discuss the hard-hitting trials and tribulations that plague teachers today – like being able to go to the bathroom whenever they want.
The band uses some of that humor that was showcased on “E-mail.” “I Wish I Could Pee (Whenever I Want)” is more goofy than the previous track, which makes sense given the content. Hell, as a new parent, I can also relate to the song’s sentiment.
Last, but not least is “Tear Each Other Down,” a track that feels more pop punk, with a hip-hop verse reminiscent of the Flobots.
The horn work on this track is also the strongest on the EP. This song is pure catharsis. It’s a cry for change and a call to arms in a sense. After feeling such highs and lows these past few years, “Tear Each Other Down” is a plea to stick together against the multiple adversarial groups coming after them. It’s a great way to end the EP. While the first two tracks offer up some laughs and relatable experiences, the final track has a shift in tone and intention. While the whole EP is enjoyable, the final track is an important listen.
Flip and the Combined Effort is a great new discovery for me. They’ve been a band for a almost a decade now, but better late than never, right? If you’re looking for a group of talented musicians, writing fun, yet topical music, check them out!