Less Than Jake: Sound The Alarm
I love Less Than Jake dearly, as a cursory glance at my collection of band t-shirts would attest. But I sense they've been more concerned in recent years with focusing on their extensive touring schedule and rolling out the hits from their late 90s/early 2000s heyday, than with producing new material. At a triumphant Brixton Academy gig in the autumn the band said they had little time for bands who prioritise new material over more beloved old songs, in a live setting at least. A reasonable position, if not great news for those who'd like to hear a new record.
So huzzah then for this new EP, which is their first original release since 2013's See The Light. "Call To Arms" is a bouncy opening tune but it feels like a song the band have written before. The band's greatest asset has always been their horn section, who excel on the ska heavy "Whatever The Weather". The undeniable standout of the 7 tracks is "Bomb Drop", where the clattering cacophony of horns in the breakdown echoes LTJ's best work.
The band alternate vocals between guitarist Chris Demakes and bassist Roger Lima. I've nothing against Demakes' gruff vocal style but have always favoured Lima's soulful singing, which here elevates both "Welcome To My Life" and in particular the downright miserable "Years Of Living Dangerously". The latter's jagged riff contributes to an unusually downbeat yet distinctive track.
The record is themed on the inevitability of change, but there are points where Sound The Alarm sees the band falling back into some familiar rhythms. Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable listen for ska punk aficionados.
So huzzah then for this new EP, which is their first original release since 2013's See The Light. "Call To Arms" is a bouncy opening tune but it feels like a song the band have written before. The band's greatest asset has always been their horn section, who excel on the ska heavy "Whatever The Weather". The undeniable standout of the 7 tracks is "Bomb Drop", where the clattering cacophony of horns in the breakdown echoes LTJ's best work.
The band alternate vocals between guitarist Chris Demakes and bassist Roger Lima. I've nothing against Demakes' gruff vocal style but have always favoured Lima's soulful singing, which here elevates both "Welcome To My Life" and in particular the downright miserable "Years Of Living Dangerously". The latter's jagged riff contributes to an unusually downbeat yet distinctive track.
The record is themed on the inevitability of change, but there are points where Sound The Alarm sees the band falling back into some familiar rhythms. Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable listen for ska punk aficionados.
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