From sweaty club shows to uproarious festival dates, LESS THAN JAKE’S deeds are best measured in the smiles they’ve generated for life-long fans and new listeners alike.
Uncharted, the ska-punkers’ brand new 7 song EP released by longtime label Pure Noise Records, should help keep those smiles tattooed on the faces of their fans. The new material is stacked with loud guitars, booming bass, thunderous drums, those distinct vocal harmonies, and the one-two punch of the trombone and sax.
These seven tracks see the band conquering new musical territory, while holding true to the classic LESS THAN JAKE sound.
Indeed, LESS THAN JAKE —guitarist/vocalist Chris DeMakes, bassist/vocalist Roger Lima, trombonist Buddy Schaub, saxophonist Peter “JR” Wasilewski and drummer Matt Yonker — may have been at this for over three decades, but with the energy and spirit of this new EP, you would never know it.
The recording sessions were helmed by Jason Livermore and legendary drummer/producer Bill Stevenson (Black Flag, Descendents, ALL). Stevenson and crew harnessed LESS THAN JAKE’s urgency and helped capture their frenetic live energy on this eclectic collection of new material.
So, what’s next for Less Than Jake? One thing is for certain – their consistency.
While the tendency now is for legacy acts to announce farewell and reunion tours, LESS THAN JAKE have never even taken a summer off. 33 years performing and the band is more visible than ever. If you’re looking for a rocking good time, look no further: LESS THAN JAKE doesn’t just bring the party, they are the party!
Fishbone
Fishbone is a band. Fishbone is Red Hot.Starting in Junior High School as part of the bussing program transporting students to schools within or outside their local school districts as a means of rectifying racial segregation, Fishbone were breaking stereotypes.
This essentially was the spark that started the bands creative and influential drive that would lay the foundation that other bands would follow for decades to follow.Born out of the punk rock scene of Los Angeles, CA, Fishbone came out as a force of songs and live energy leaving bands not wanting to follow them. A feeling that continues today.
Signed to Columbia Records in 1984, Fishbone released 4 albums and 3 ep’s and toured the world headlining shows, festivals and leaving people stunned and still one of the best shows ever seen. A constant statement that still is used today from fans to artists that shared the stage with them.
After years of touring and rotating members, Fishbone in 2025is back to their most solid line up which includes original members, Angelo Moore (vocals/Saxophone),Chris Dowd (Keys/Vocals)rounding it out withJohn “JS” Williams(Trumpet/Vocals) drummer, Hassan Hurd, Aroyn Davis and the return of Trace “Spacey T” Singleton on guitar.
With their last critically and fan acclaimed EP recorded produced by Fat Mike of NOFX that came out on Fat Wreck Chords in 2023, in2024, Fishbone is getting ready to reclaim their live touring throne, leave the audience wanting more, thinking more, influencing younger bands, and paving the foundation and legacy they have been laying for decades.
With their latest single “Racist Piece of Shit” coming out ahead of the 2024 Elections and creating much controversy and praise as Fishbone ahs done for Decades, they will be following up with their new album, “Stockholm Syndrome” coming in early 2025 #FuckRacism
Suicide Machines
The Suicide Machines are back in 2022 with ‘GEBO GOMI’; a new split LP with Tokyo Japan’s Coquettish, out July 22 on Bad Time Records. While 2020s “Revolution Spring” proved that the band still had a fire lit in them, The Suicide Machines display on this new split that they are not only at the top of their game, but possibly making the catchiest, heaviest, and most relevant songs of their career. “Awake” is a TSM instant classic that would fit equally well on “Destruction by Definition” as it would in an old school Tony Hawk game, while tracks like “Accelerate the Decline” and “Slipping Into Darkness” show that the band hasn’t lost an ounce of the edge and anger they carry about the crumbling state of the world. These tracks are prescient, political, and pissed off, but also evoke the reckless joy that’s been a hallmark of the band’s catalogue. Mixed by Jon Graber (NOFX, Goldfinger, We Are The Union), the band sounds poised and in control while not over-polished to maintain the grit and raw power that they bring to these new songs.
Catbite
In the heart of Philadelphia, there’s a band that’s been igniting the ska scene with their infectious beats and killer hooks. They go by the name of Catbite, and they’re here to make you dance, sing, and fall head over heels for ska all over again.
At the helm of the band is the fierce Brittany Luna, whose powerhouse vocals and sassy stage presence will leave you breathless. On guitar, Tim Hildebrand, whose lightning-fast riffs and catchy melodies will have you tapping your feet in no time. On bass, Ben Parry, who keeps the rhythm going with his intricately interesting bass lines. And on drums, Chris Pires, whose thunderous beats and lightning-fast fills will make you poop your pants.
Together, Catbite creates a sound that’s equal parts classic ska and modern punk, with a dash of power pop thrown in for good measure. Their songs are all about love, love lost and the emotional and mental toll of being human, and their live shows are a non-stop party that will leave you sweaty, elated, and craving more.
But don’t let their cute and cuddly name deceive you – Catbite is a force to be reckoned with. They’ve traversed four continents this year alone, spreading their ska gospel to the masses and winning over fans wherever they go. And with their third LP in the works, there’s no telling where their music will take them next.
They’re the ska band that’s shaking up the scene and they’re not afraid to speak truth to power.
