Welcome to “Ska, Punk, and Other Junk!” With this monthly column, I’ll highlight all of the cool things I discovered in the ska and punk scenes each month. And, because I listen to more than just those two genres, I highlight some other junk I discovered along the way too! (NOTE: Not actually junk. I just wanted to go with the rhyme). There’s so much cool music out there these days. This is my attempt to cover as much of it as possible.
Hopefully, you find your new favorite band – or at least some cool new tunes to enjoy.
For being the shortest month of the year, bands really packed as much as they possibly could into February. It was challenging to narrow this month’s column down to 17 releases, but I did it.
When I went and looked back at some of my favorite albums from 2023, I noticed that I stuck to my guns more than usual. It was a tough year, so I surrounded myself with the music that comforted me the most. I challenged myself to open myself up a bit more this year, and I think that approach started to bear some fruit this month. There are a few albums on here that I wouldn’t normally listen to, but I’m glad I did.
Hopefully, this column inspires you to step out of your comfort zone a bit and try something new. Enough rambling. Let’s get to reading and discovering some new music.
Ska
Fratelli Lambretta Ska Jazz – Good Banana Monkey Back
I’m a sucker for a talented instrumental ska band. This nine-piece ensemble from Torino, Italy has the chops to stack up to the heavy hitters in the scene and then some. While the backbone of their music is ska and jazz, there’s so much more going on in each song.
At times, jazz takes more of a center stage, like on “Cloudy Friday.” Fratelli Lambretta Ska Jazz also treats listeners to reggae, big band, swing, and a more rock-forward ska sound (“Maskara”). No matter how you split it, each song on Good Banana Monkey Back stands out, and the entire album is perfect for enjoying on the dance floor.
Girth Control – Life’s Too Short For Girth Control
Life’s Too Short For Girth Control takes me back to the fun I had at shows and hanging out with my friends back in my late teens and early twenties. There’s a certain joy that comes from listening to an album that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Sure, an underlying message pops up from time to time on the album, but for the most part, it’s 25 tracks of pure dumb fun. It’s almost as if The Vandals and Assorted Jelly Beans had an all-night bender and recorded an album.
While I’m not sure life is too short for Girth Control, I do know it’s too short to take everything so seriously all the time. Listening to this fun, punky ska album is a great reminder to lighten up a bit and enjoy yourself. I might not be as active or irresponsible as I once was, but at least I can still let loose from time to time. Hopefully, the Upstate New York trio makes it to the Midwest one of these days, because with how I enjoyed listening to the album, I can only imagine how fun these songs would be live.
MUTINY – S/T
What happens when you get several of the heavy hitters in skacore and punk rock together to make music? MUTINY. Debuting earlier this month as a series of cryptic messages, the supergroup features members of Voodoo Glow Skulls, Dissidente, Death By Stereo, and Adolescents. When the music finally hit, I was floored. MUTINY fits right in with today’s skacore scene, but elevates the genre even more.
The EP consists of eight tracks with a twist. MUTINY supplied four tracks and then worked with members of Japanese skacore heavyweights FRAIL to put their spin on those same four tracks. It’s an incredibly unique idea that serves two purposes: one, it gives listeners a whole new listening experience and two, it introduces a whole new fanbase to the genius of FRAIL. Including FRAIL in this project strengthens the idea that MUTINY is a legitimate supergroup.
One of the most enjoyable bits of listening to the band’s music is hearing how dual vocalists Efrem Schulz and Chris Ruckus play off each other’s strengths. Schulz is more Death by Stereo on these songs than Glow Skulls. His soaring, melodic vocals mixing with Ruckus’ guttural growl works on many levels. Mixing those two together with everything else going on with the album musically makes me think of a skacore Coheed and Cambria, complete with the prog and metal additions. If bands like PWRUP, Dissidente, The Best of the Worst, and MUTINY are the future of American skacore, I can’t wait to hear what’s next.
Querida, Faça As Malas! – Tá Na Chuva, Abraça O Capeta
I truly believe music is a universal language that helps connect all of us. I may have no idea what Brazil’s Querida, Faça As Malas! says on any of the songs from their latest release, entitled Tá Na Chuva, Abraça O Capeta?
The music puts me in mind of the ’90s Fat and Epitaph skate punk sound with ska-punk undertones. While I may get more out of the album if I spoke Portuguese, I thoroughly enjoyed every tune. If you think a language barrier might stop you from trying out a new band, please don’t let it. Let your guard down a bit. In the case of Querida, Faça As Malas!, you’ll be glad you did.
The Kilograms – S/T
First appearing in Fall 2023 on a compilation to benefit Michelle Ska recover from the Maui wildfires, The Kilograms have officially released their debut EP. The song on that comp, “Who Am I,” was a sign of things to come. It fits right in with the rest of the band’s offerings on this self-titled EP.
The three new tracks are absolutely amazing and feature the same heart and soul as the single. I know Joe Gittleman was busy doing things with the BossTones, but hearing him and Sammy Kay together makes me wish they were always a band. They’re the perfect one-two punch with their lyrics and vocals. The sound of The Kilograms is familiar, but also fresh.
Joining Gittleman and Kay are Michael McDermott, who was behind the kit for some of The Bouncing Souls’ most iconic albums, and J Duckworth from Newport Secret Six. Together, the four made magic with project, and it’s a perfect appetizer for The Kilograms’s sound, and as it leaves me wanting more immediately. Musically, it’s Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros meets Obi Fernandez meets Roger Rivas. How could you not want more of that?
Punk
FELICITY (featuring Point North) – “Charlie Sheen”
If I believed in musical guilty pleasures, FELICITY might qualify. While they call themselves trash rock, their sound is more akin to 2000s pop-punk. This song, which features Point North, uses Charlie Sheen as a symbol of self-destructive behavior. It’s a mid-tempo, hook-laden pop punk song that focuses on the self-realization when your behavior crosses the line. An important message wrapped up in satire make for a memorable song.
Fire Sale – The Albatross
No Use For a Name will always be my favorite punk rock band. Tony Sly and company spoke to me, and I miss them so much. Every time I hear new music from Fire Sale, they encompass everything I loved about NUFAN.
I guess it helps a bit when you NUFAN alum have Matt Riddle on bass. His basslines are iconic, driving the action of the songs, and that continues to be true on the title track. The first thing you hear is Riddle’s bass then the melodic punk guitar hooks. The subject of the song hits home these days now that I’m a father.
Aside from NUFAN, I hear a lot of Pennywise on this EP, especially in lead singer Pedro Aida’s vocal delivery. If you grew up on that ’90s Fat and Epitaph sound, then Fire Sale will feel like visiting with an old friend. I just wish they would put out a proper full-length soon – these two song EPs are killing me!
Laura Jane Grace – Hole In My Head
When thinking about Hole In My Head, I think it’s important to also examine Grace’s previous album, Stay Alive. Written in isolation during the early days of COVID, Stay Alive encompasses the fear, frustration, anxiety, and claustrophobia most of us experienced during the pandemic. Some of those undertones are still present in Hole In My Head, but when listening to it, it’s easy to tell that Laura Jane Grace is in a much better headspace.
The songs on her new album have a certain vigor that wasn’t present on Stay Alive. Laura seems to be having fun and enjoying making music again, and the whole vibe of the new album reflects that. Her impish and mischievous humor has returned, which I found refreshing. “I’m Not a Cop” “Birds Talk Too,” and “Tacos & Toast” show that playfulness off well.
That’s not to say this album is all sunshine and roses. “Keep Your Wheels Straight” touches on depression and doom scrolling. “Dysphoria Hoodie” talks about the comfort she feels from her Adidas Hoodie when any dysphoria creeps in. On “Hard Feelings,” Grace laments to her mother that she’s ruined her brain. This song is a bit more upbeat and almost humorous.
One of the best things about Grace’s songwriting in general is her fearless ability to tell her truth – good, bad, or ugly. It’s refreshing and cathartic, and whether it’s her solo work or with Against Me!, Laura Jane Grace is one of the best lyricists in punk music today. Hole In My Head shines a light on her talent. Whether it’s punk, singer-songwriter, folk, or Americana, Grace knows how to weave a tale with her music.
PET NEEDS – Intermittent Fast Living
My first experience with PET NEEDS was live, so I’m extremely impressed with how well they translated their live energy to this recording. The band’s latest album starts off with a song that is practically spoken word set to music and then immediately kicks into high gear with “Separation Anxiety.” A relationship song at heart, it’s a driving punk rock banger that does an amazing job of catching the frenetic of the band’s live shows.
The energy doesn’t let up much until we get to the back half of Intermittent Fast Living with “Lucid,” a more soaring and melodic rock song. That track is just a slight breather because “Sleep When I’m Dead” is next and its energy matches the subject matter.
I can already imagine how these songs will be presented live, so I hope PET NEEDS stops in the Detroit area the next time they visit the US. This is a band on the rise – one that just gets better with each release. Their most complete album to date, it really shows off their range while also not sacrificing the high-energy punk rock they’re known for.
The Sleeveens – S/T
Listening to The Sleeveens is like being transported to when bands like The Stooges, MC5, and The New York Dolls ruled the world. The songs are catchy as hell, powerful, and raw. The guitars roar to life and lead the way through 11 tracks and 30 minutes of throwback punk. A certain power and grandiose presence exudes from each melodically gritty earworm on this self-titled album.
With song titles like “Give My Regards to the Dancing Girls,” Metallica Font,” and “Looking For Porno?,” it’s easy to picture what you’re getting lyrically, but there’s also a some charm involved with having such straight forward songwriting. There’s no need to dissect and analyze the lyrics. Just enjoy them for what they are and get ready to pogo to the driving guitars. This album is pure id, and it’s amazing.
Wes Hoffman and Friends – How It Should Be
Hoffman took a hiatus from music a few years ago. After listening to How It Should Be, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that you’re glad he’s back. The album combines the melodic punk sensibilities of bands like The Menzingers, Hot Water Music, Face to Face, and Gaslight Anthem. Not bad company to keep, in my humble opinion.
While you can easily shout out the anthemic lyrics, Hoffman gives us plenty to chew on with his words. His songs run the gamut between all phases of a relationship, death of loved ones, mental health struggles, and then ultimately rediscovering who you are. Another song that sticks out to me is “A Minute to Breathe.” It warns of the pitfalls of the hustle culture we all seem to live in – pushing for what’s next and driving ourselves forward.
This extremely smart punk record overflows with driving punk melodies and pounding drums. With dual soaring vocals, Hoffman and Friends let you know it’s okay to slow down a bit and live for today.
Other Junk
Eichlers – SONGS OFFLINE
Eichlers catches a lot of fire for his hyperska music, but he takes it all in stride and continues to do his own thing. What people miss by automatically dismissing his music because of the autotune and hyperpop influences is some stellar songwriting. With SONGS OFFLINE, Eichlers takes several of his hyperska offerings and strips them down to their foundation. The result is a seven-track EP that is more Breakfast in Silence than it is My Checkered Future.
By offering up acoustic versions of his music, the songwriting takes the spotlight here. I’m already a fan of Eichlers in the hyperpop and hyperska world, but I have a newfound appreciation for Ike’s talents after listening to these unplugged renditions. If you’ve written Eichlers off because you think his music is just a silly ska sub-genre, this EP should change your mind. The acoustic arrangements are beautiful and heart-wrenching. I can’t wait to hear what Ike does next.
Gentlemen Rogues – Surface Noise
While this Austin quartet has released several EPs and singles since their 2011 origins, Surface Noise is their official full-length debut release. It’s a 40-minute tour de force filled with a hard-edged, yet refined brand of power pop. The hooks and melodies are more power than pop at times, but that doesn’t make them any less infectious. With a certain level of precision woven into each song, Gentlemen Rogues creates carefully constructed works of art.
The amount of grit and distortion in each song makes Surface Noise an apt album title. While the musicality on this album is professional, it’s not always clean, and that’s okay. It adds to the charm of each song and ties into the idea behind the title of the album. If you like Elvis Costello, The Replacements, Jawbreaker, or Superdrag, then Gentlemen Rogues needs to be part of your musical rotation.
Liquid Mike – Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot
The Mike of Liquid Mike is Mike Maple, a postal worker from Marquette, MI. For the uninitiated, Marquette is an absolutely beautiful college town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With that location, an awful lot of isolation comes with living there. It’s hard to get to, and the winters are absolutely brutal.
When I listen to the songs on Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot, I’m reminded of Garrison Keillor and his tales of Lake Wobegon, MN, as well as Jeff Lemire’s Essex County. Maple’s songwriting toes the line between sharing the boredom and isolation of living in a place like Marquette, while also highlighting the joy and humor that exists as well. “K2” highlights potentially questionable decisions you make in your younger years to pass the time during the dog days of summer. “Drinking and Driving” touches on similar themes – living and passing the time in a summer vacation town.
With Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot, Maple and crew churn out infectious ’90s inspired power-pop alternative jams that are reminiscent of bands like Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Weezer, and Mudhoney. Hook-heavy, fuzzy, distorted, and melodic, the songs honor vintage alternative rock. They’re also love letters to the types of people you will find in a city like Marquette. The songwriting is sharp, witty, and complements the infectious power pop music that accompanies it.
States of Nature – Brighter Than Before
If States of Nature was a band in the ’90s, I have no doubt they probably would’ve ended up on Dischord. They’re a post-punk powerhouse cranking out highly melodic and catchy songs with plenty of chaotic raw rock-n-roll goodness. We get shouty choruses and danceable moments aplenty in each song. If you’re a fan of big, guitar-focused tracks, you will find a lot to love.
Not everything is serious here though. While the band touches on the uncertainty of the times, they also give you permission to have a little bit of fun while you’re at it. A their core, the songs on Brighter Than Before are just that. They don’t ignore the sadness and uncertainty that exists in our everyday lives. Instead, they ask you to look to your peers and within for the support and belief you need to persevere and prosper.
Tandoori Knights – 14 Hits That Don’t Quit
If I didn’t know any better, I would think Tandoori Knights put this album out back when Dick Dale was playing “Misirlou” and Johnny Cash was putting his Cadillac together one piece at a time. The duo of Bloodshot Bill and King Khan honor the golden age of rock music with their lo-fi production and musical sensibilities. There’s a certain humor in some of their songs, but overall the tandem shows a lot of respect to ’60s and ’70s rock, complete with surf rock influences, garage rock, and Stooges-style punk.
I enjoy listening to an album that pay homage to simpler times in rock music. Each song has a certain groove and infectious melody that demands attention. Filled with catchy hooks, raw energy, and power-pop sensibility, the 14 tracks included on this album don’t quit. Make no mistake though: Tandoori Knights isn’t a nostalgia act. They just have an appreciation for a different musical era and infuse that genuine love into their music.
The Sunshine Melodies – Sunshine Version EP
On the Sunshine Version EP, reggae artists The Sunshine Melodies worked with several songwriters who took the core rhythm and backing melodies from the song “Sunshine” to create their own compositions. While the base for each song is the same reggae instrumental backing, each songwriter makes it their own.
The positive, upbeat reggae vibes putting you in the mind of warmer days ahead as we head out of winter and into spring. Highlights here are “Floating Free,” featuring Matt Wixson and the dub tracks. The goal to write a positive, uplifting song to coincide with the “Sunshine” melody gave us lyrics we wouldn’t normally hear come from Wixson because his lyrics tend to be more on the sarcastic and cynical side of the spectrum.
If you want me to listen to your ska, punk, or other junk, please feel free to contact me here. You might just see yourself in a future column! You can also reach out to me on my Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts.