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. Since I listen to more than just those two genres, I also 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.
October might just be my favorite month. There’s a chill in the air, the leaves are changing and falling, and ghost and goblins reign supreme. Between horror movies, costumes, and trick-or-treating, this month gives you a lot to love. Thus, I made sure to include some music that fits the season.
That’s the treat for this month’s column. The trick’s on me, though. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t include everything I wanted to feature. What I managed to include is the cream of the crop: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, if you will.
Ska
Bite Me Bambi – “Do the Damned”
The new Bite Me Bambi track has a little more edge than usual. If it’s a preview of what to expect from their upcoming new album, I’m all in. Taking ska, rockabilly, and some good old-fashioned American pop music, “Do the Damned” reminds you that you can’t hide behind internet comments forever. Sometimes, when you fuck around, you find out.
Half Dizzy / The Boy Detective – Split EP
I was a big fan of “The Faceless” when it originally came out. The remix on this split is bonkers in the best sense of the word. It takes the eerie nature of the original and speeds it up to become a drum and bass dance track. Such an awesome reinterpretation of the source material.
On the flip side, we heard Michigan’s The Boy Detective. Mainly known for their aggressive ska punk sound, “For The Record, I’m Not a Cannibal Anymore” clearly shows that the band isn’t a one-trick pony. This empowering post-breakup song shows the strength that comes when you find yourself again. Musically, the song delivers a much more laid-back rocksteady/reggae feel, complete with a feature from Jay Navarro and Eric Abbey from J. Navarro & The Traitors.
Recently, Eric Abbey suffered a significant health scare. As a way to help, the label and two bands on this split released two new variants to raise money for his care. You can find the links HERE and HERE.
Lab Brats – S/T
Fronted by “The Ska Mailman,” Atom Wallace, Lab Brats bring the fun with their debut EP release. Firmly placed somewhere in between Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, and The Aquabats, Lab Brats showcase the joyful side of ska. With a scientific slant to most of the lyrics, I can also imagine fans of nerdcore and They Might Be Giants getting a kick out of these songs.
One of my favorites on the album include “Chemical #3,” which mixes a little surf rock with RBF’s “241.” My other fave song is “Insubordination” because of the instrumental breakdown during the middle of the song. This EP was a nice Lab Brats appetizer. Now, bring on the main course.
Le Birrette – Wanted
From Bologna, Italy, Le Birrette offers up a high-energy love letter to traditional ska music and Caribbean rhythms. Wanted blends rocksteady and trad ska with American soul music (especially the multi-part vocal harmonies), making it one of my favorite listens this month. If these songs don’t get you movin’ to the beat, then you might not have a soul. Wanted is a 35-minute dance party that’s an absolute blast. Give this album a spin, especially if your listening sensibilities trend more towards traditional music. These women kick so much ass!
Matt Wixson – “If You Weren’t a Witch”
Michigan’s Matt Wixson gives us a romping up tempo ska song just in time for spooky season. The tune draws specific parallels between the trial and murder of one of his ancestors in the 1600s for being accused of witchcraft and how power is still misused to this day. Joined by members of Killer Diller, ellyeahdehd, The Ska Flutist, and Panoramic View, “If You Weren’t a Witch” is ska with a message and a danceable melody.
Stuck Lucky – Counting Curses
From the opening machine gun drum and ominous organ of “Bring Out Your Corpses,” I prepared to get my face melted. I’m happy to say that Stuck Lucky didn’t disappoint. While they’ve put out singles and EPs in the recent, Counting Curses is their first full-length album in some time. It was well worth the wait.
Stuck Lucky adds a much needed dimension to the skacore scene. For me, the differentiation they offer comes from their use of keys, as they add a unique touch. While the entire album is solid, the highlights for me are the inclusion of the Soul Radics and Flying Raccoon Suit‘s Jessica Jeansonne on two songs. With Stuck Lucky’s new album, the amount of high-quality skacore in the world continues to rise.
Sunday Eleven – The First of Our Story
Discovering bands from the international ska scene is one of the main reasons I write this column. So many bands don’t get the global coverage they deserve, including Indonesia’s Sunday Eleven. Ska truly is a global music. I’ve embraced it more this year than ever before, and I’m better for it. If you like ska music at all, you owe it to yourself to cross the borders of your country and see what else is out there.
Hailing from the city of Bandung, Sunday Eleven’s brand of ska music is extremely danceable and tight. Their music is more in the vein of the 2-Tone era, with elements of jazz and big band as well. While The First of Our Story has plenty of amazing instrumentals, when we do get vocals, the singing features a certain flowing soulful touch. If you like bands who appreciate the roots of ska music, than you should add Sunday Eleven to your list.
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra – 35
If I were to say the best ska band in the world today is Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, I don’t think too many people would disagree. Going strong for 35 years now, TSPO are masters of their craft. I’m absolutely in awe of how effortless they make it seem when performing their music.
35 is no different. The sound is epic and layered, like a good summer movie score. TSPO show off just how good they are through rich emotional peaks and valleys. No matter what subgenre of ska they tackle, the group is effectively flawless in execution and delivery. It’s just not fair that one group can be filled with so many talented musicians at the top of their game. On the bright side, we’re lucky to live in the same era as TSPO.
Various Artists – Roots & Basses, Volume 2
When I reviewed the first volume of Roots & Basses, I mentioned I couldn’t wait for the next one, as it barely scratched the surface of showcasing the amazing Latin ska band around the world. Ska everyman Esteban Flores picked up right where he left off. Volume 2 compiles an entirely new collection of bands that represent the rich diversity and tradition within the Latin ska community.
Of course, the project does showcase heavyweights like Inspector and Sekta Core as a way to grab the attention of the more casual fans. With a comp like this, the strengths lie in exposing you to a wealth of new bands because you gave the collection a chance. The anticipation of discovery is why I love compilations so much.
The band I gravitated to the most on Roots & Basses Volume 2 was Los Kurados. I’ve listened to them before in the past, but after listening to “Historias Del Barrio,” not only do I want more of this act, I want more stories from the neighborhood.
Punk
Bandages (featuring Joe Gittleman) – “Perfect Fit”
Pardon the pun, but the latest single from Bandages is a “perfect fit” for the soundtrack for our current political climate. It’s an aggressive punk anthem for the disillusioned and jaded people in our country. More than just an indictment of the dystopia we live in right now, it’s a call to arms to fight for a better future. Even better, it features Joe Gittleman of The Kilograms and Mighty Mighty BossTones.
Caitlin Edwards – Candy Corn
If the name Caitlin Edwards sounds familiar, that’s because she’s most known for being the lead singer of Chicago ska punk band Bumsy and the Moocher. On this solo project, she strips away the ska, leaving us with a clean pop-punk / power-pop sound. The songs on Candy Corn are more personal in nature, focusing on relationships, mental health, and learning from the past. The album is a rallying cry to believe in yourself and to live life with your best interest as heart.
The title track has a catchy melodic hook and chorus that fuel the empowering message of cutting out toxic relationships from your life. The next song, “Guilty As Charged,” follows similar themes, but it’s much faster and more aggressive. The EP tackles all the ebbs and flows of a relationship well. If you’re a Bumsy fan, this EP is a no-brainer. But, even if you’re not, hearing a kick-ass female voice in punk rock today should be enough reason to listen to Candy Corn.
Early Riser – Big Life
What a refreshing take on punk rock music. This four-piece punk band gives me big AJJ and Weakerthans vibes, especially with a cello in the mix. Each Early Rise song is a nice little punch to the face in the best way possible. Lead singer Kiri Oliver’s songwriting is so relatable and engaging. “Strays” shares the idea that we’re all strangers just looking for a place to call home and a community to join. The juxtaposition between isolation and loneliness with connection becomes the through line for Big Life.
Songs focusing on such heavy topics have the tendency to be downers, but not these. These tunes are big, bright, welcoming, and filled with positive attitudes and a search for growth. The album seeks to removes the stigma of being lonely and trying to find yourself. Packed with sing-a-longs that have strong choruses and even stronger messages, Big Life is a delight of an album.
King Thief – S/T
I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a sucker for a punk band with a gravel-throated lead singer. Think bands like Hot Water Music, Avail, A Wilhelm Scream, Blind Adam & The Federal League. Something about that singing style makes me want to jump right into the middle of the pit.
I’ve now added King Thief to that list of bands. With their self-titled debut, lead singer Eric Neilson is flanked by aggressively raw riffs that somehow sound absolutely grandiose. On “Toxic Scene,” the guitar sound could be from an ’70s arena rock band as much as from a 21st century melodic punk band.
Musically, King Thief lean more towards the post hardcore sensibility of A Wilhelm Scream, which works just fine for me. They can balance the aggression and intensity of hardcore with thought-provoking and socially conscious lyrics. This is one hell of a debut. Keep your eyes and ears on King Thief. They’re destined for great things.
Lo(u)ser – “Overtime”
Chris Graue (the brains behind Lo(u)ser) is one of the most talented dual threats in independent music these days. Not only does he have an unmatched talent to interpret a band’s song and create amazing music videos, but he also blends his love for pop culture, classic video games, and independent music as Lo(u)ser.
Normally, his music has ska and chiptune vibes, but “Overtime” veers more into the synth-punk/power-pop world. It’s like Heads Are Gonna Roll-era Hippos meets Weezer. It’s a love song draped with sports metaphors and a video that serves as a love letter to sports video games. The inclusion of a Mutant League Football clip in the video was the piece de resistance for me.
THE OBGMs – SORRY, IT’S OVER
If Death Rosenstock and PUP joined forces, the music they create would by SORRY, IT’s OVER by Toronto’s THE OBGMs. Chunky, distorted guitar work, hypnotizing drumming, anthemic call and response chorus opportunities, and a healthy dose of gruff vocals are my kryptonite. An aggression and desperation comes through with the lyrics, and the way they’re presented vocally, especially on “CHANGES and “LIAR.” SORRY, IT’S OVER is cathartic. With an unflinching and direct perspective on mental health and living life. I really appreciate the band’s perspective, but I also love how talented they are.
Other Junk
Ben Quad – Ephemera
Ephemera grabs you immediately, pounds you over the head for 11 minutes, and leaves you forever changed. With the EP, Ben Quad offers up something that is equal parts aggressive and cathartic. It’s a blend of more aggressive post-hardcore emo like Underoath blended with more structurally melodic emo and indie music. They don’t waste any time to get into it either. From the opening riff of “I Did Not Create This,” the Oklahoma band immediately jumps into a damning criticism of capitalism while posing a question of why the status quo hasn’t been challenged directly enough. Ben Quad goes on to speak out against environmental and societal issues as well. After listening to the lyrics and comprehending the more aggressive musical direction Ben Quad took on Ephemera, it’s easy to consider the EP a call to action of sorts. The only question left to ask yourself after listening to it is if you’re as angry about how things are these days to take action. I know I am. Ephemera will be the perfect soundtrack for that.
Justin Webb & The Noise – Stupid Young
Sometimes, you just need some high-adrenaline kick-ass rock-and-roll. Justin Webb & The Noise provides a certain ’60s / ’70s throwback garage rock aesthetic. Think The Stooges and MC5 by way of The Hives, The Strokes, The Killers, and The White Stripes. Raw energy drenches each song on Stupid Young, making the album an absolutely fun listen. I would bet good money that the band recorded the album live in studio together rather than as individual tracks. The music has a certain cohesion and fluidity that isn’t easy to fake.
OKnice and Andrew – Talking To My Dogs
With Talking To My Dogs, OKnice continues to showcase why he needs more attention from the national hip-hop scene. For this album, he teams up with Andrew from sleepingdogs to delivers another first round knockout. Andrew’s beats are absolutely fresh – equal parts emo, shoegaze, boom-bap, and indie hip-hop. I could get buried in the sonic atmosphere he’s created. OKnice has a flow that is slam poetry meets battle rap. He adapts and evolves to any beat he’s given, attacking them with the ability to fit into all possible music accompaniments.
I discovered OKnice when I was at a low point in life in terms of my mental health. I immediately related to what he was rapping about. His vulnerability with exposing his struggles helped me open up more. I’ve been listening to OKnice since 2021 now, and Talking To My Dogs is his best work yet. This one is special, and I would really love to see it be the one that breaks him out.
With Talking To My Dogs, Nice’s lyrics still have a certain level of anxiety and uncertainty, but there’s also a clear sense that he’s continuing the work to become a healthier person. On “Lamotrigine Dreams,” he talks about acceptance of the process and celebrating personal victories … even if today’s victory is just making your bed. We aren’t perfect all the time, but hearing about the entire process – successes, setbacks, and more – helps ground everyone else’s journeys as well.
Panoramic View – Boneyard Bounce
Just in time for Halloween, Aaron Abrahamson Cote releases some spooky, yet chill atmospheric steel drum and reggae music. “Dug Up” even has some additional spoken word vocals that reminds me of those old school Halloween sound effects CDs. One of my favorite things about this EP is the different ways “Boneyard Bounce” ended up getting interpreted. It’s absolutely amazing to me how different perspectives can change a piece of music so much. This is the perfect music to get you into the Halloween vibes.
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.