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. 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.
Four months in, and these columns aren’t getting any shorter. Normally, this is where I would apologize and say I would try to be more condensed next month. I’m not sorry though. I’ve opened myself up even more to new music this year, and the column has reflected those efforts. The lesson to be learned: There is a world of music out there, so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone a bit. See what the rest of the world has to offer. Happy listening!
Ska
Babylove & The Van Dangos – Leave Me Here To My Quixotic Moods
Babylove & The Van Dangos formed in 2004. Twenty years later, I discover them. As someone who prides himself as a major ska fan, I was pretty embarrassed when I discovered how long they’ve been together. This seven-piece band from Copenhagen beautifully composes music that transports you to the early days of ska, rocksteady, and reggae.
The songs pulse with the rhythm and heart of Jamaican music. Whether it’s an uptempo tune or a slowed down rocksteady track, each and every song on Leave Me Here To My Quixotic Moods will make you want to dance. If I were to compare them to an American ska band, I think they most remind me of The Slackers, all the way down to the Disco Dave-esque sax solos like on “No Nostalgia.” From one Dane to another, Babylove & The Van Dangos are not to be missed.
Boss Capone Meets George Dekker (Featuring Patsy) – Blackfire
Harnessing his love for traditional Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and early reggae, Boss Capone (of Dutch Reggae band, The Upsessions), releases Blackfire. Returning to share vocal duties on a few tracks is Patsy. This time around though, Boss Capone and Patsy are joined by an absolute legend: George Dekker. Known for his work with The Pioneers, as well as being the half-brother to the one and only Desmond Dekker, he sounds absolutely amazing during his vocal features.
Honestly, if you didn’t know any better, you’d assume Blackfire was a long-lost album from the glory days of Studio One and Trojan Records. If you’re a fan of traditional ska music, Blackfire is essential listening. It truly is a special release. It makes me happy and won’t leave my regular rotation any time soon.
Fuera Fondo – Mesto Spí
If Mesto Spí came out any time before 2024, the chances of me hearing it would’ve been slim to none. When I listen to music, I like to analyze the lyrics and connect with them on a personal level. I can’t do that with music I can’t understand, so for the most part, I’ve stayed within my English-speaking comfort zone.
That changed this year. Between getting exposed to more international bands through Ska Punk International and actively working to discover new (and new to me) bands that aren’t within the North American borders, I’ve learned about some great bands. One of my new faves is Fuera Fondo from Slovakia.
When you can’t understand what the lead singer is saying, you immediately start focusing on other aspects of the music. The songs on Mesto Spí fall mainly in the ska spectrum, but they features punk, ska-punk, and Eastern European influences throughout. At times, the horns give me Reel Big Fish vibes (“Letná Láska”), while at others, I think I’m listening to Gogol Bordello (title track, “Mesto Spí”). I’m so glad this year’s musical journey directed me towards Fuera Fondo. I want to dig into their back catalog immediately.
Half Past Two – Talk Is Killing Me
Talk Is Killing Me is Half Past Two like you’ve never heard them before. To be completely honest, after having this album on repeat all month, I don’t think I want to hear them any other way. Sure, some of their earlier songs will always be staples for me (“Shine,” “Heather,” and “Scratched CD” mainly), but I’m absolutely in love with the band’s new incarnation.
Starting with “Heart of Gold” and “You In a Suit,” I noticed a change in the band. The catchy pop sensibilities and undertones were still there, but the tone in the songs changed. It felt like lead singer Tara Hahn had let her guard down a bit. The songs had a bit more of an edge. Most notably, the band started working with We Are The Union’s Reade Wolcott. Deep inside, I hoped this meant HP2 was working with her on a full-length, and sure enough, they were. Wolcott has producing, mixing, and co-writing duties on Talk Is Killing Me, and her influence shows up in the best of ways.
Talk Is Killing Me is Hahn at her most vulnerable and honest. In the past, Half Past Two had a glass half-full mentality. Their songs were positive and optimistic, even when covering difficult topics. However, not everything is going to be sunshine and roses all the time. The freedom to sing about not being okay is refreshing and extremely relatable these days.
While I enjoy the faster, uptempo, power-pop infused ska-punk that Half Past Two sprinkles all over this album, I’d be remiss to mention two exceptions. While they don’t fit the group’s typical model, two of the more powerful songs on the album are “I Don’t Dream Anymore” and “Our Playlist.” The former is a slowed-down reggae ballad that feels like it would fit nicely right next to “Simple Kind of Life” and “Marry Me” on Return of Saturn. The latter is an acoustic ballad Tara sings with Scott Klopfenstein of Reel Big Fish and Littlest Man Band fame. That song is soft, subtle, and has hints of ska and country music.
Talk Is Killing Me is a major step forward for Half Past Two. I can’t wait to see where this path takes them in the future.
John Bunkley – Dandy Shandy
John Bunkley, known for his work with Gangster Fun, Atomic Fireballs, and the newly formed Detroit band The Boreouts, stuns with his latest solo offering. Recorded to feature more vintage warmth, but still modern enough to please this generation of music fans as well, Dandy Shandy is a love letter to a simpler time. Traditional ska and rocksteady is the backbone here, but there are times on this album where it feels like I’m listening to some psychadelic ’60s rock.
With “On the Basis of Something Superficial” in particular, I could imagine Ray Manzarek pounding away on his keys while Lee “Scratch” Perry sings over dub beats in the background. Also, with Bunkley’s Detroit upbringing, there’s definitely a sprinkling of Motown soul and R&B from time to time.
When Bunkley put out an EP during COVID times, it teased what he could do as a solo artist. Dandy Shandy takes the feeling an excitement from the songs on Sunshine and Chocolate and amplifies them. It’s a traditional album that spends its time respecting and honoring tradition, while also pushing boundaries at every opportunity. The result is an album to enjoy on the dance floor and with a set of headphones. You need appreciate all the added drum fills, organ work, and stylistic changes on every track. John Bunkley’s musical resume makes it clear that he truly can do just about everything and do it masterfully well. Dandy Shandy is no different.
La Barraca – Fronteras Invisibles
Hailing from the island of Mallorca, La Barraca gives us the soundtrack to an amazing evening of dancing with their latest album, Fronteras Invisibles. The music makes me work up a sweat just sitting at my desk listening to it in the background while I work. Even playing it at low volumes, I can’t help but bop my head, tap my toes, and sway to the beats. While you definitely hear Caribbean and reggae undertones on these songs, ska is still the dominant influence.
My favorite track is the opener “La Barraca Ska.” I would put it up against the best instrumental ska acts out there today. It’s the perfect opener, as it sets the tone for the listener’s entire experience. That frenetic pace continues the next track, “Fronteras Invisibles.” It reminds me of some of the faster songs from The Toasters and King Apparatus.
The album is an instant party and is structured in such a way to whip you into a frenzy, and then slow it down just at the right time before you pass out from exhaustion. Join the fun with this one.
Lumpy / IndiSKA In Decay – S/T EP
Providing three songs each, Lumpy and IndiSKA In Decay (aka Indica In Decay) showcase their unique brand of ska. Lumpy takes a very trumpet-forward approach that is so diverse. He’ll go from low-fi indie guitar to ska to electronic music to ripping a jazz trumpet solo – all in one song. No matter how wild his inspirations and music arrangements are, they all flow together beautifully as a fully realized compositions. My favorite thing about Lumpy is just how much he showcases his trumpet playing. Not enough people play trumpet these days, so it’s a real treat to hear a master at work.
On the flipside of the EP is IndiSKA In Decay. For the uninitiated, Indica In Decay is working on a rock opera, with the first act released on Ska Punk International. Much like Jeff Rosenstock and his SKA DREAM, the mastermind behind Indica In Decay, Ilan Moskowitz from Sad Snack, presents new-tone ska versions of the songs that appeared on Act One of his rock opera. He’s not going it alone on the reinterpretations. He brought in players from bands like Flip and the Combined Effort, Holy Schnikes!, and The Hellas. The ska versions of the rock opera songs give me a newfound appreciation for the original renditions, while also allowing me to enjoy each version of the EP as separate works.
Rocky Sullivan, Psy.D. – The Chippers
What’s the easiest way to make sure every single ska fan will like your album? Make sure you touch on every wave of ska and each sub-genre. The Chippers literally has a little something for everyone in the ska scene. Whether you’re a traditionalist at heart or like creating ska riffs with your laptop in your bedroom, Rocky Sullivan has you covered.
Fronted by Sean McCabe, who cut his teeth with bands like Bomb The Music Industry and Arrogant Sons of Bitches, Rocky Sullivan shares several similarities with Jeff Rosenstock’s old bands. If you’re a member of the Cult of Rosenstock (guilty as charged over here), then The Chippers will help fill that hole in your heart from those two bands no longer existing.
Aside from how good the music sounds, the lyrics are also important. The album’s overarching story follows McCabe as he grows up in the Long Island ska scene and loses his best friend to addiction. While the songs likely hold a significantly more personal meaning to McCabe, as someone who suffers from ADHD, anxiety, and OCD, some of the songs really hit close to home. Mental health, loss, grief, and anxiety don’t get the appropriate attention in our society. That’s why albums like The Chippers are extremely important. This album is filled with relatable songs that double as coping exercises for those who might need a little help. Rocky Sullivan, Psy.D. is my favorite “new-to-me” band so far this year.
Runaway Ricochet – Diminishing Returns
This album will keep you on your toes. Runaway Ricochet is the latest addition to Ska Punk International, and Diminishing Returns might be the label’s most ambitious release yet. Not only is it a double LP, but it’s an album firmly planted within both the prog rock and ska-punk worlds. Each song has multiple time changes, some reminiscent to improvisational jazz music. Musically, it’s as if Claudio Sanchez from Coheed & Cambria joined RX Bandits and made ska punk.
Diminishing Returns has the intricacy and experimentation of both of those bands, with the addition to some pretty catchy up tempo ska with hooks for days. The 1-2 punch of “5 Questions” and “Mental Marathon” does a pretty good job of describing my status quo. The content of the entire album is pretty raw and honest. Feelings of apathy and disappointment with life are covered, as well as other challenging emotions. What makes the lessons and observations in the songs go down a little easier are the musical expertise the members of Runaway Ricochet exhibit from track one all the way to track 14.
The What Nows?! – Neglected Objective
Reading, PA’s The What Nows?! take a shotgun approach to society’s ails on Neglected Objective. There’s a song about AI. One about socioeconomic inequality. The paranoia you have while driving and it feels like everyone is out to get you and every car behind you is a cop is also fair game here. While the band’s previous album had a narrower focus, this one really does has a little something for everyone to relate to.
With this freer approach on Neglected Objective, The What Nows?! have afforded themselves more room to let their creativity soar. Regardless of the song’s different subject matters though, there’s still catchy choruses, melodies, and riffs that’ll make you want to skank. Most importantly, the trumpet and ukulele are on display in their full glory all over this album. There really is something for everyone with this one. Give it a shot!
Punk
Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties – In Lieu of Flowers
For the last ten years, Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties has been a creative outlet for Dan Campbell, frontman for The Wonder Years. With this solo project, Campbell dons the persona of Aaron West and has been telling his story ever since.
Aaron West is punk rock by way of Americana, folk, and emo. For the uninitiated, if you’re fans of bands like The Gaslight Anthem, The Menzingers, Tim Barry, and American Steel, then Aaron West deserves a seat at your table. Through the lens of West, Dan Campbell weaves a tale of heartbreak, sorrow, alcoholism, and redemption. In Lieu of Flowers is the story of the underdog. West has recruited a robust backing band that includes slide steel guitar, banjo, and saxophone, among others.
Dan Campbell is Garrison Keillor, and Aaron West is his booze-soaked Lake Wobegon. It amazes me how alive and real Campbell makes Aaron West feel. It’s a tribute to just how good he is as a songwriter and musician. He really is one of the best out there doing this kind of music. I’m willing to say he’s primed for taking over the punk rock Bruce Springsteen mantle away from Brian Fallon.
In Lieu of Flowers is the most complete and most ambitious Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties offering. While I’m not sure if this is really it for the story of Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties, but if this is the end, Campbell is having West go out in style. The album sees him out of rehab and being confronted with a painful reality. Will he continue on the right path, or will he spiral back into an alcoholic stupor and devolve back to the beginning of his story? We don’t really know, and unless Campbell makes a new Aaron West album, it might just have to be as mysterious and left open to interpretation as what really happened to Tony Soprano.
Bayside – There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive
I have a confession to make. When Bayside first popped up on the scene, I let my opinion of their record label keep me away from giving them a chance. Their first few albums were on Victory Records, and I personally had a hard time supporting those bands because of the guy in charge. So, even though I know who Bayside is, There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive is my first “official” introduction to the band. Since this is the year of me trying new (to me) things, it seems like a perfect time to give Bayside a spin with a fresh set of ears.
Consisting of tracks from the band’s two previous EPs, as well as five new tracks, There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive is perfect for stubborn hipsters like me who held a decades-long grudge because of Tony Victory. This collection serves as a great representation of what Bayside is up to at this stage of their career. Heavy on melody with a driving rhythm section, there’s also a strong transition to more of a metal guitar song ala modern Strung Out albums. If you like your punk rock a little more on the harder side of things, then this will be right up your alley. Whether you’re new to the band, or a fan who wants to hear new songs, There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive has a little bit of everything.
Riley! – Keep Your Cool
Keep Your Cool is a sub-30 minute masterclass in what modern punk rock can be when the band isn’t afraid to stray from the pack and forge its own path. There’s plenty of heart and aggression throughout, but with so many stylistic changes in each track, you might not catch just how good the trio is if you’re not paying attention. For instance, “Bad Boys Boxing Club” sounds like any hardcore punk or screamo song on the surface. But then the group hits you with the extra layer of intricate guitar work that lives in contrast to the screaming.
Showing off their guitar talents isn’t just a one-song affair. Extra flourishes throughout the album showcase the band’s musical diversity. They don’t seem to be pigeon-holing themselves at all though. They seek every chance to upend your expectations. If you’re even remotely interested in modern punk rock, then Keep Your Cool is one of those albums you have time to just put on repeat and enjoy it again and again. It offers up a trio of musicians at the top of their game. They craft modern punk songs with multiple little musical side quests and really insightful and personal lyrics. I’d love to see them continue to deconstruct what punk rock even more.
Rum Luck – Land of the Fools
Listening to Land of the Fools takes me right back to the mid-’90s when West Coast skate punk was all the rage. I heard lots of Pennywise and Bad Religion inspiration throughout the five song EP. A song like “Elm Street” also has some psychobilly, based on how the bass work. On “Ghost Town,” Rum Luck switch from sounding like an Epitaph band to sounding more like a Hellcat band with a bit more of a Rancid-esque ska punk rhythm.
Most of the album leans on the progressive side politically and socially. It also includes plenty of choruses to scream back at the band when you get to see them live. Rum Luck is firmly on my list of bands to keep my eye out for the future. They write good songs and created an enjoyable, energetic EP.
Veronica Grim – Summer Goth
The elevator pitch on Veronica Grim is simple. It’s Social Distortion fronted by someone who embodies the spirit of Debbie Harry, Ann Wilson, and Stevie Nicks combined. Summer Goth is Americana punk done right with a dash of rockabilly and some good old-fashioned rock and roll. Only 16 minutes long, the EP packs a punch and has no wasted moments. The infectious energy of every song draws you in, and I can only imagine how engaging Veronica Grim is live. The standout track for me was “Straight to Hell,” as it reminded me of when AFI still performed punk rock.
Other Junk
Bergie & the Magic Bag – Trash to the Trash Gods
Trash to the Trash Gods is an absolute joy. It’s irreverent, intelligent, playful, and not afraid to take risks. While power pop is the prevailing sound, pigeon-holing the album does it a major disservice. At times, there’s the quirkiness of They Might Be Giants. Then, the next song has more of an Owl City meets distorted fuzzy guitars. Next, you get lo-fi acoustic folk music. Some Ben Folds-inspired piano work shows up, too. Trash to the Trash Gods demands attention and demands multiple listens.
Like a magician’s bag of tricks, Bergie has a full arsenal of talents to share with the world. The album is a love story about Bergie’s experiences living in New York City. And like the city and people who provide the inspiration, it’s filled with a diverse palette of experiences.
Bobby Edge – Ill at Ease
“In a crowd, I can still feel lonely” is how Bobby Edge starts Ill at Ease. The song is “Full Swede Ahead,” and it uses surf rock and poppy melodies to address discomfort and anxiety. It’s a clever juxtaposition considering surf rock has always had this cool and laid-back feel to me. That’s not the only time Bobby Edge uses classic music styles to deal with very modern concerns. Aside from surf rock, there’s a healthy dose of doo wop, old-school soul and R&B, and ’60s garage as well.
Ill at Ease overflows with respect and reverence for ’50s and ’60s pop music in all its forms without feeling dated or gimmicky. You can really tell how much each of these style of music mean to Bobby Edge. It’s an absolute joy to hear his modern spin on such classically American music styles.
Nick and the Adversaries – Boss Soundsystem B/W This Time
Nick and the Adversaries is a newer Boston four-piece consisting of members who were once part of some pretty big heavy hitters in the punk, ska, and indie music scenes. This means, you already know going in that you’re in for a treat. The “Nick” in the band’s name is none other than Nick Bacon, most known by his work with The Pilfers and fronting The Lost City Angels.
This time around, he takes his previous experiences and evolves to a totally new level. Instead of ska-punk or pop-punk, the music on this two song EP wears its varied influences proudly. As expected by the soundsystem reference, there’s a definitely ’60s and ’70s reggae and dub feel present. Fuzzy, distorted garage rock and punk is evident as well.
On “Boss Soundsystem,” Bacon channels his inner Terry Hall for the vocal deliveries. “This Time” is a complete 180 stylistically, thanks to Stooges-era Iggy Pop energy. The breakdowns feature an organ that sounds right out of some good, old-fashioned church revival gospel music. I’m really hoping for a full-length soon, as I need more than 7-inches and EPs from Nick and the Adversaries.
Solgyres – S/T
Connecticut’s Solgyres was nothing like I expected when I gave them a chance based on a clip from Instagram. After that, I wanted to dig in a bit more. I found was a group of musicians with the artistic chops to pull off merging reggae, dub, and synth-pop with the groovy improvisation of jam bands. They remind me of that one college band that seems to appear on every college campus every few years. Solgyres is different in that they have too much talent to eventually rise above the college band scene.
I would love for this album to break them out of being a regional act and make waves across the country. If any one song on the album is going to help in that effort, it’s “Immortal,” which features G. Love. It’s a reggae and jazz-fusion track with funky basslines that highlight a lot of what makes Solgyres really good. The entire project is packed to the gills with multi-part vocal harmonies, soaring vocals, pulsing bass lines, and a clear passion for roots rock, reggae, and jazz. This is definitely a band to keep your eye on, because they’re going to be going places.
Teens in Trouble – What’s Mine
I don’t think Mike Park from Asian Man Records knows how to release a bad album. What’s Mine, the debut release from Teens in Trouble, is no different. Fronted by Lizzie Killian, the band is Pixies meets Weezer meets Bikini Kill. I’m talking big ’90s alternative influence here, with the fuzzy distortion of garage rock, Riot Grrl politics, and a dream-pop aesthetic.
The album starts off with a sonic bang. “You Don’t Want To Mess With Me” is extremely guitar-forward and features Stefan Babcock from PUP. It’s a song about new relationships and warnings about baggage from previous experiences. That song flows right into “Awkward Girl,” a fast power-pop cute that serves as an introduction to Killian.
What’s Mine is a special debut, and I already know it’ll be on my year-end list. The song that really cemented this for me is “Autopilot.” As someone who sacrifices living for mindless scrolling, it’s a necessary kick in the ass. Blending The Breeders with Pinkerton-era Weezer, “Autopilot” called me out for not playing an active role in my life. Lizzie Killian’s Teens in Trouble is waiting for you to turn autopilot off and start experiencing thte world around you.
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.