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.
I’d be a real turkey if I tried to get some Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday puns into this month’s column. I’d find myself on the losing snap of the wishbone for sure. Instead of pandering to the time of year, I’ll get right down to business.
This is the last Ska, Punk, and Other Junk column of 2024. Next month, instead of the column, I will focus on my Top 24 Albums of 2024 list instead. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, as November is stuffed with amazing albums. So, take a break from your post-holiday food coma, and check out some new music!
Ska
Coolidge – Vote 4 Coolidge
I was a big fan of Johnny Socko when they were around. When Coolidge formed, I was excited for the continuation of Johnny Socko’s memory. The tracks on this EP are extremely political, and it’s clear from the lyrics that the band hoped for a different outcome this election cycle. Thankfully, the songs are still wonderfully constructed and can serve as inspiration for the 2026 mid-terms. The slower tempo rocksteady of “My Rights” and the punky “Narcissism” are the standouts to me.
Less Than Jake – Uncharted
Silver Linings introduced Matt Yonker as Less Than Jake’s new drummer. It marked a major shift for the band, as the drummer Yonker replaced was also the band’s primary songwriter. Four years removed from that release comes Uncharted, and it sounds like Less Than Jake knows who they are again. I hear a different confidence and energy level on these songs that is so infectious. Also, the fine folks at the Blasting Room captured the fun and excitement of a Less Than Jake live show in each track. Honestly, seven songs just isn’t enough. I hope the group has a full length in them soon, because Uncharted is the best Less Than Jake has sounded in years.
Mango Wood – The Sound of Now
Boss reggae, rocksteady, and trad ska from Madrid, Spain. Listening to The Sound of Now, you’re immediately hit with the love and respect Mango Wood has for the traditional sounds. This is a love letter to vintage Jamaican music, and it’s an absolutely joyful listen. Filled with heart and soul, and backed by some amazing organ work, The Sound of Now is the best representation of the boss reggae and rocksteady genres this year. It’s a must have for anyone who loves vintage tunes, preferably on vinyl.
Mutiny – Avant Guardian #1
When they debuted earlier this year, the members of Mutiny enthralled me. I’m a sucker for a good skacore band, increasingly more when it’s filled with some of the best musicians in the scene. The other hook to this supergroup is how they approach making music. They actively seek out a story to be told and then form a narrative through their music. Mutiny is a musical Voltron living in this dystopian world, and they’re documenting their adventures for our sakes.
Another special thing about Mutiny is how they intentionally connect with bands from other cultures. Their debut EP included FRAIL, as they sang in Japanese over Mutiny’s instrumentals. This time around, Mutiny teamed up with South Korea’s 18Fevers and Turn For Our. I’m already a fan of 18Fevers, so it felt great to hear they’re working on next. I’m already excited thinking about who Mutiny will partner with next!
skaskaskaclub – SKA! SKA! SKA!?
Japanese ska-punk is just so good. The music is always so tight and technically sound. With SKA! SKA! SKA!?, skaskaskaclub announce their arrival. Aside from straightforward ska-punk, you’ll also hear hip-hop influences, funk, and even some hardcore breakdowns. It all fits together perfectly, creating an innovative take on ska. It’s like Tokyo Ska Paradise and Hey-Smith met up with Fishbone and Red Hot Chili Peppers to jam.
The Abruptors – “St. Louis”
If “St. Louis” is any indication on what we can expect from the upcoming album from Buffalo’s The Abruptors, we’re in for a treat. “St. Louis” features infectious two part-harmonies, Elvis Costello-esque guitar riffs, and poppy organ-driven ska. The sincere and relatable lyrics make “St. Louis” that much better. December 6th can’t come soon enough.
The Boy Detective – “I Renounce Verdukianism!”
I just couldn’t have the last column of the year get published without featuring at least one Christmas song. Well, Southeastern Michigan ska-punk band, The Boy Detective, came through in the clutch and released a brand new song filled with holiday “cheer.” If you listen closely, you’ll hear some inspiration from the amazing John Williams. The band then puts the fun in dysfunctional by blending in their high-octane storytelling. It’s a rager of a tune, filled with holiday heartbreak and redemption.
The Makeways – We Are All We Need
Soulful undertones are woven within the fabric of each song on We Are All We Need. This soul drives the songs, even as they’re accentuated by trad ska, big band, and reggae melodies. The six tracks on this EP give The Makeways room to show off. From the saxophone solo in “Red Twelves” to the more upbeat ska “Monday Morning,” there’s a little bit of everything here for ska fans. I even hear a slight taste of Motown in “Waiting for the Day.”
Warsaw Poland Bros – Ganja Licks
With a name like Ganja Licks, it’s pretty easy to figure out the theme for the latest EP from Warsaw Poland Bros. They kicked things off by incorporating The Specials and a little Latin American flavor in “La Mota. That energy opener immediately got my head bopping and my hips shaking. The next track switched to a more reggae feel, and the following song had a funky jazz feel with reggae and hip-hop elements. Warsaw Poland Bros are really doing some fun things with their music, with plenty of little Easter eggs if you listen close enough.
Punk
Authority Zero – 30 Years: Speaking to the Youth
This has been a great year for Authority Zero and their fans. First, lead singer Jason Devore released an amazing solo album. Then, Authority Zero wenet on an anniversary tour. To cap everything off, the band just released a brand new EP – their first new music since 2021. The EP is the call to arms and kick in the ass some of us need right now. It’s melodic, catchy, and inspiring. Overall, the message is to live your authentic self, fight for what you believe in with your whole heart, and roll through the bumps in the road in your personal journeys.
Fuck Yeah, Dinosaurs! – “Numbers”
Dinosaurs and noisy garage punk: How can you go wrong? You can’t! “Numbers” is the first single off a new split seven-inch with Latecomer. It marks the first new music from the Pittsburgh dino-punks in about two years, and it’s true that good things come to those who wait. The song leans into the dino theme, but not too much to overpower just how good the new song is. Can’t wait to hear what Fuck Yeah, Dinosaurs! brews up next.
Hot Water Music / Quicksand – Split
To put it bluntly, this split should be required listening for fans of gritty melodic punk rock. Hot Water Music and Quicksand are two of the best bands creating this type of music, and this four-track EP is a masterclass. Hot Water Music starts by covering the Quicksand classic, “Fazer.” It’s amazing how they have the ability to take such an iconic song and make it theirs. Quicksand returns the favor with “Free Radio Gainesville” from No Division. That album having been produced by Quicksand’s Walter Schreifels is a nice full circle moment here because of the HWM song they chose to cover.
Split concludes with an original from each band. Quicksand’s contribution is “Supercollider,” a track filled with grandiose guitar riffs that rise and fall in time with the climax of the song. The rest of the song is melodic, chunky, and just so perfect. Quicksand is a tough act to follow, but Hot Water Music rose to the occasion with “Undertow.” The band sounds inspired and energetic with an offering primed to become a fan favorite during their live shows.
Johnny Deeper and the Ghost of Pete Seeger – Amerikunt
I’m a sucker for gravelly folk punk, and Johnny Deeper and the Ghost of Pete Seeger is my new obsession. While folk punk is the primary style here, there’s definitely some bluegrass and Americana thrown in from time to time as well. Like the real Pete Seeger before, Johnny Deeper’s music is highly political and filled with social commentary. The songs are anthems for the have-nots in a world where the haves just keep increasing their grip on society. The songs here are lyrically poetic, cathartic, and sarcastic when it counts. With Amerikunt, Johnny Deeper and the Ghost of Pete Seeger joins the ranks of the great punk rock protest singers.
Knives – One Cut Away From Love
One Cut Away From Love is one of those albums where you immediately assume the band behind such a refined sonic assault has been around for years. That’s not the case here. Knives formed in 2022, and this is their debut album. To my ears, the band has essentially perfected the 2000’s brand of pop-punk, but they’ve also turned that sound on its head.
Paired with the emotionally honest lyrics, anthemic choruses, and riff-heavy melodies are blood-curdling screams to complement the more pop punk vocal stylings. The dueling vocal styles knock you on your ass, pick you back up, and then welcome you into the party. It’s like pop-punk let their little screamo brother join the band, and I’m here for it.
Night Court – $hit Machine
This Vancouver power trio offers up straight-ahead garage punk. Sure, they veer off into distorted and chunky indie from time to time, but the clear backbone of the band is punk. Then again, I also hear some power pop sensibilities in these songs. Even if the music can be loud and driving at times, Night Court rarely veers from the idea of composed pop music. Each song is catchy and danceable, but even though the longest doesn’t even make it past 2:30, they all feel so much bigger when you have the stereo blaring. It really is pretty damn impressive just how much they can fit into such short songs.
State Champs – S/T
This self-titled album from Albany’s State Champs could easily be considered a “best-of.” While all the songs are new, it sounds like the pop-punk band took all the best characteristics from their career and infused them into this album. If you’re a fan of the band, then listening to this album is like having a visit from your best friend.
For the uninitiated, State Champs are one of the best in the modern pop-punk genre, displaying inspiration from bands like New Found Glory, All Time Low, and Blink-182. While there’s plenty on here about love and relationships, State Champs really shine on songs like “Golden Years” and “Just a Dream” where things get a little more introspective.
The Peacocks – And Now What?
I’m an absolute sucker for a band with an upright bass, and this Swiss psychobilly punk band has one of the best in the business in Simon Langhard. The Peacocks have been blessing us with their brand of punk rock for over 30 years now, and thankfully, they’re showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. And Now What? is one of their best albums to date. And when they slow things down a bit for a deeper rockabilly feel, like on “Some,” it makes me want to go down to the local sock hop and cut a rug.
The Peacocks are masters of their instruments. Each tune is carefully constructed and performed. The rhythms and melodies will appeal to fans of Ramones and Stray Cats just as much as it will with fans of bands like Tiger Army and Koffin Kats. If you want to hear psychobilly punk at its best, look no further than The Peacocks.
Other Junk
Figaro – Good Bones
If I were to describe Figaro’s latest EP in one word, it would be aura. Something about Good Bones feels both engaging and entrancing. Filled with indie, emo synth goodness, each song is a long lost new wave treasure. The best part of this music is that it can be enjoyed in multiple situations. Whether you’re just vibing out on the couch, or you’re at an afterhours rave in some abandoned warehouse, you can really sink into Good Bones. I also recommend taking the time to actually listen to Figaro’s lyrics. Each tune feels like a raw and honest self-help lesson, one that asks you to embrace your flaws as you strive to become a better you. So many layers of enjoyment!
Friedberg – Hardcore Workout Queen
Combining past singles with previously unheard songs, Frieberg has finally released their full-length debut, Hardcore Workout Queen. Lots of synth, psychedelia, and danceable alternative pop to enjoy here. It’s a kaleidoscope of styles that scratch the itch for fans of ’60s and ’70s psychedelic rock, as well as LCD Soundsystem dance punks. Friedberg takes you on a road trip with fuzzy and distorted guitars where the ride is way more important than the destination. It’s the ultimate vibe out and dance record.
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, BlueSky, and Facebook accounts.