For a band to stay fresh and entertaining for 25 long years, you must have something special. After 8 full length albums, 8 EP’s, and numerous other releases, Less Than Jake continue to raise the bar and keep your taste buds filled with exciting new flavours.
Sound The Alarm is the 9th EP from the Florida Ska/Punk quintet as Call To Arms rallies up loyal fans with a punchy bass from Roger soon to be joined by Vinnie rolling in the low end of the drums to then explode into a classic Less Than Jake track with Chris taking to the mic. With “Sound The Alarm” lyrically used prominently in the chorus, they made the clear choice of defining the EP and their base sound via this song.
There is no doubt that Less Than Jake deserve the praise of being dubbed one of Ska/Punks most energetic as the veterans do not disappoint their loyal fans, as Buddy & JR open Whatever The Weather with their perfect Sax/Trombone blend as Chris chimes the offbeat guitar strums and the additional bass line walks, reminding you of the familiar easy-listening anthems previously released, as Roger takes over the lead vocals role.
Now you’ve had a breather, get ready for a Bomb Drop as a continuous flurry of skanking dance moves will be non-negotiable as the rhythm induces your mind to do so.
Welcome To My Life musically gives you the impression they are currently sat on a beach in Hawaii kicking it back with a Sex On The Beach cocktail, while lyrically giving the visual of a not so positive aspect of regret and apologising for mistakes made.
After a roller coaster of fast/mellow transactions we are treated with another sing-along upbeat anthem in Good Sign, which is exactly the impression you get when you hear the concoction of good things coming from the LTJ camp.
Years Of Living Dangerously is what these guys do best, as this track breaks into a Reggae groove, like you’ve never heard them do before. Again, bringing another chilled relaxing tune to make you feel at ease before racing for the finish line in their final song Things Change. Dominant sounds of brass stand out most in this perfect ending to a perfect EP, with all the typical elements and more. As the song closes ringing out the last chord that gradually detunes lower until silence leaves you disappointed that it’s over. But fear not, repeating this record is just a click away, in which you will soon notice the repeat button on the remote has worn out from extreme usage.
With another successful release in the bag, Less Than Jake are still pioneering the scene, headlining tours at great capacity, and still have more in them for the future years to come. Here’s to 25 years more of Ska/Punk legends.
9/10