Artist: Foolish Relics
Album: Too Old?
Genre: Ska/Punk/Reggae
Released: October 2022
Reviewed by: Jess G.
Finding new music in your 40’s is a truly wonderful thing.
I learned of Foolish Relics earlier this year when I connected with frontman Dino through a community formed around Supernova International Ska Festival. Like most that I connect with in the industry, I promised to check out his band. Well, naturally, days passed by. The days turned into weeks and then into months and I never gave them that listen. You know because life.
It wasn’t until Dino, his family and mine got the chance to hang out at Supernova that I saw how genuinely rad these people were, and I knew I wanted to support the band by ordering their debut album and giving it a chance. I am so glad I did (because I LOVE IT) and I’m even more stoked to make this my first official album review.
Let’s start with the title of the album (and the second track) – Too Old? For what exactly? To be relevant? Hell no! Just like finding music in your 40’s is wonderful, so is making it! With all the experiences that come prior to this point in life, it’s no surprise that the lyrics would contain meaningful messages and the music would be on point with the perfect blend of vocals and instruments.
I’m not going to break down every track but some of my favorites are:
Words on Bathroom Walls – if this isn’t the message that we all need to hear, I really don’t know what is. This is the song that started it for foolish relics and speaks of experiences with bullying. Featured on the song is Brittany Luna from the one and only Catbite. It’s a catchy tune that encourages us all to be a little bit nicer to each other.
20-25-30 Years (Go By So Fast) – whoa! I sure can relate to this one. Maybe you can, too. Have you done anything for this long? Been in a relationship, had a friend, listened to a genre or band, stuck with a job? Maybe it’s something else or maybe all the above! For me, it’s quite a few of those things and man, does this song hit hard. Don’t we usually turn to old songs from another time in our lives? How incredible that this new song can just as easily take us back?! I love that they decided to include it on the album twice, once in English and once in Spanish!
Plain and simple – this album rips. It’s punk, it’s ska, it’s reggae, heck there is even some hyper-ska mixed in (I see you Ike). It’s all so catchy. I’m already singing along and am excited for the day I get to see them play this live. Go stream this album and buy a cd, a vinyl, and some merch! They only pressed 100 vinyl and there are now less than 20 left. Will one of those be yours?
Come on! It’s ok to be foolish, but don’t be a fool 😉.
The SKAgazine 