Album Review
Less Than Jake
GNV FLA (06.24.2008)
Tonight, we’re gonna party like it’s 1998, because not since Hello, Rockview has a Less Than Jake record packed this much punch.
Less Than Jake follows up 2006’s less-than-stellar In With The Out Crowd with GNV FLA – a quick paced, horn-loaded release that finds the band returning to the elements that made their past records (and continue to make their live show) such a blast.
Perhaps a bit bottom-heavy, the record kicks off with “City Of Gainseville,” a slower ska-influenced track akin to some of Mad Caddies’ more subdued material with a great vocal melody and killer horn hook. This blends right into “The State Of Florida,” which is an instant throwback to the in-your-face, snooty ska and pop-punk of Losing Streak and the aforementioned Hello, Rockview. Tracks like “Does The Lion City Still Roar?” and “Golden Age Of My Negative Ways” keep the good vibes coming. I haven’t enjoyed brass this much since my last trip to Zanzibar.
The record loses a little bit of steam come the last third of the album, but the latter tracks (maybe closer “Devil In My DNA” especially) certainly aren’t poor offerings. Throughout the whole record, Chris Demakes’ vocals are bang-on and smoother than they’ve ever been, albeit perhaps a bit overproduced. They sit just perfectly in the mix, though, which as a whole is certainly one of this record’s strong points.
I think Less Than Jake have really hit the money here, as it should win back a few fans that’ve been straggling away from the band over the last few releases. On the other hand, the album is loaded with hooks and some really bouncy party anthems that might win over a new crop of punk-influenced music fans. I, for one, think the boys have earned love from either side of the fence with this one. I’m not sure about Lion City, but Less Than Jake still roars. [ END ]
Track Listing:
01. City Of Gainesville
02. The State Of Florida
03. Does The Lion City Still Roar?
04. Summon Monsters
05. Abandon Ship
06. Handshake Meet Pokerface
07. Settling Son
08. Malachi Richter’s liquor’s Quicker
09. Golden Age Of My Negative Ways
10. The Space They Can’t Touch
11. Conviction Notice
12. This One’s Gonna Leave A Bruise
13. The Life Of The Party Has Left The Building
14. Devil in My DNA
Run Time: 34:58
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