Saturday, June 25, 2011

Less Than Jake - 2011 Greetings From Less Than Jake


Band : Less Than Jake
Album : Greetings From Less Than Jake
Release Year : 2011
Genre : Ska | Punk

Tracklist :
01. Can’t Yell Any Louder
02. Goodbye, Mr. Personality
03. Harvey Wallbanger
04. Oldest Trick In The Book
05. Life Led Out Loud

Just in time for their stint on the main stage of the 2011 Vans Warped Tour, Less Than Jake has returned with a five-song EP, Greetings From..., their first release of new material since 2008's GNV FLA, and all five tracks embody the classic Less Than Jake sound, without rehashing anything old.

The EP opens with "Can't Yell Any Louder," an upbeat blast of horns and punk rock energy that is carried by the smart songwriting and singalong chorus that have made this band a longtime frontrunner in the world of ska punk. It then slips into the ska groove of "Goodbye, Mr. Personality," a mild slap at people who are merely annoying and not really worth anyone's time.

"Hello Harvey Wallbanger" is a stomping punk rock drinking tune that would be perfect on a jukebox in one of your finer punk rock drinking establishments, and the reggae groove of "Oldest Trick In The Book, is a smooth tune with the introspective lyrics that Less Than Jake has made their forte. With it's chorus of "All I know, I'll change the world before I go," it's the sort of inspirational song that makes for good late night listening while wondering what exactly comes next in life.
The EP wraps up with "Life Out Loud," ending on an upbeat high note with pure punk rock energy.

In five tracks and about15 minutes, the band carries you through all the sounds they've embraced over the years, from smooth sing-alongs to upbeat skank-alongs to fast stomp-alongs. It would be great intro to a band that was brand new, and it's an even better check-in from a band that's been around and on top for years. A release on the band's own label, Sleep It Off Records, Greetings From... is a move toward an artist-released business model where all profits made from its sale return directly to the band.





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