Record Label: Sleep It Off Records
Genre: Ska-Punk
Band Link:
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“Less Than Jake return to their roots,” “Less Than Jake go back to Ska-punk.” Those are the types of quotes you’ll be seeing for a lot of reviews for the latest Less Than Jake album. While some people absolutely hated their last album “In with the Out Crowd,” I thought it was one of their best albums. Sure, it took me a few listens to really like it but I liked the direction they were going in. They still had horns in their stuff, but they were trying something different and I applaud them for that. Plus, I think the songs on that album were some of the best songs they wrote. The fans felt differently I guess. The band are back for their 7th full length album, and decided to go DIY again and release the album on their own label, Sleep It Off Records. I think it’s a smart move for LTJ to create their own label. They already have the fanbase and don’t have to put up with Major Label bullshit anymore.

“City of Gainesville” opens up the Florida-themed album. The horns in that song sound like they were recorded in lo-fi, and it’s a medium-paced ska/reggae song. LTJ blast into the second song “The State of Florida,” which is a punky rock number. So, already you can tell the band has gone back with their traditional ska-punk sound that they started with. Who would have thought a bunch of crazed Pez collectors would still be playing ska punk in 2008? “Setting Son” has a lot of heavy metal riffs in it, which makes me think the band still deep down wants to be a heavy metal band. “Does The Lion City Still Roar” is the band’s first single and was released for download in May. I think that track is the best song on the album but I still have to listen to the new album to decide what other tracks stand out the most. I don’t think this is the best album from Less Than Jake but it’s still a good one! Catch them on tour with Goldfinger, Westbound Train and Suburban Legends now!

Bottom Line: LTJ delivers the ska punk goods that will please their fans
Notable Tracks: City of Gainesville, Does the Lion City Still Roar?, Handshake Meets Pokerface,Golden Age of My Negative Ways
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