Welcome to “Ska, Punk, and Other Junk!” With this monthly column, I’ll highlight all of the cool things I discovered in the ska and punk scenes each month. Since I listen to more than just those two genres, I also highlight some other junk I discovered along the way too! (NOTE: Not actually junk. I just wanted to go with the rhyme). There’s so much cool music out there these days. This is my attempt to cover as much of it as possible.

Hopefully, you find your new favorite band – or at least some cool new tunes to enjoy.

I’d be a real turkey if I tried to get some Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday puns into this month’s column. I’d find myself on the losing snap of the wishbone for sure. Instead of pandering to the time of year, I’ll get right down to business.

This is the last Ska, Punk, and Other Junk column of 2024. Next month, instead of the column, I will focus on my Top 24 Albums of 2024 list instead. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, as November is stuffed with amazing albums. So, take a break from your post-holiday food coma, and check out some new music!

Ska

Coolidge – Vote 4 Coolidge

I was a big fan of Johnny Socko when they were around. When Coolidge formed, I was excited for the continuation of Johnny Socko’s memory. The tracks on this EP are extremely political, and it’s clear from the lyrics that the band hoped for a different outcome this election cycle. Thankfully, the songs are still wonderfully constructed and can serve as inspiration for the 2026 mid-terms. The slower tempo rocksteady of “My Rights” and the punky “Narcissism” are the standouts to me.

Less Than Jake – Uncharted

Silver Linings introduced Matt Yonker as Less Than Jake’s new drummer. It marked a major shift for the band, as the drummer Yonker replaced was also the band’s primary songwriter. Four years removed from that release comes Uncharted, and it sounds like Less Than Jake knows who they are again. I hear a different confidence and energy level on these songs that is so infectious. Also, the fine folks at the Blasting Room captured the fun and excitement of a Less Than Jake live show in each track. Honestly, seven songs just isn’t enough. I hope the group has a full length in them soon, because Uncharted is the best Less Than Jake has sounded in years.

Mango Wood – The Sound of Now

Boss reggae, rocksteady, and trad ska from Madrid, Spain. Listening to The Sound of Now, you’re immediately hit with the love and respect Mango Wood has for the traditional sounds. This is a love letter to vintage Jamaican music, and it’s an absolutely joyful listen. Filled with heart and soul, and backed by some amazing organ work, The Sound of Now is the best representation of the boss reggae and rocksteady genres this year. It’s a must have for anyone who loves vintage tunes, preferably on vinyl.

Mutiny – Avant Guardian #1

When they debuted earlier this year, the members of Mutiny enthralled me. I’m a sucker for a good skacore band, increasingly more when it’s filled with some of the best musicians in the scene. The other hook to this supergroup is how they approach making music. They actively seek out a story to be told and then form a narrative through their music. Mutiny is a musical Voltron living in this dystopian world, and they’re documenting their adventures for our sakes.

Another special thing about Mutiny is how they intentionally connect with bands from other cultures. Their debut EP included FRAIL, as they sang in Japanese over Mutiny’s instrumentals. This time around, Mutiny teamed up with South Korea’s 18Fevers and Turn For Our. I’m already a fan of 18Fevers, so it felt great to hear they’re working on next. I’m already excited thinking about who Mutiny will partner with next!

skaskaskaclub – SKA! SKA! SKA!?

Japanese ska-punk is just so good. The music is always so tight and technically sound. With SKA! SKA! SKA!?, skaskaskaclub announce their arrival. Aside from straightforward ska-punk, you’ll also hear hip-hop influences, funk, and even some hardcore breakdowns. It all fits together perfectly, creating an innovative take on ska. It’s like Tokyo Ska Paradise and Hey-Smith met up with Fishbone and Red Hot Chili Peppers to jam.

The Abruptors – “St. Louis”

If “St. Louis” is any indication on what we can expect from the upcoming album from Buffalo’s The Abruptors, we’re in for a treat. “St. Louis” features infectious two part-harmonies, Elvis Costello-esque guitar riffs, and poppy organ-driven ska. The sincere and relatable lyrics make “St. Louis” that much better. December 6th can’t come soon enough.

The Boy Detective – “I Renounce Verdukianism!”

I just couldn’t have the last column of the year get published without featuring at least one Christmas song. Well, Southeastern Michigan ska-punk band, The Boy Detective, came through in the clutch and released a brand new song filled with holiday “cheer.” If you listen closely, you’ll hear some inspiration from the amazing John Williams. The band then puts the fun in dysfunctional by blending in their high-octane storytelling. It’s a rager of a tune, filled with holiday heartbreak and redemption.

The Makeways – We Are All We Need

Soulful undertones are woven within the fabric of each song on We Are All We Need. This soul drives the songs, even as they’re accentuated by trad ska, big band, and reggae melodies. The six tracks on this EP give The Makeways room to show off. From the saxophone solo in “Red Twelves” to the more upbeat ska “Monday Morning,” there’s a little bit of everything here for ska fans. I even hear a slight taste of Motown in “Waiting for the Day.”

Warsaw Poland Bros – Ganja Licks

With a name like Ganja Licks, it’s pretty easy to figure out the theme for the latest EP from Warsaw Poland Bros. They kicked things off by incorporating The Specials and a little Latin American flavor in “La Mota. That energy opener immediately got my head bopping and my hips shaking. The next track switched to a more reggae feel, and the following song had a funky jazz feel with reggae and hip-hop elements. Warsaw Poland Bros are really doing some fun things with their music, with plenty of little Easter eggs if you listen close enough.

Ska, Punk, and Other Junk – November 2024

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