Here’s our top five in no specific order.
JOYSTICK! – Dwell
(November 2023- Bad Time Records)
Need to move your body but only have ten minutes to spare? Throw this on and get to skanking! Energetic and punky with lots of horns, it’s bound to lift your mood! I suggest playing this next time you feel that 2pm slump.
Favorite Track – Note to Self
WEFTIN – The Black Pill
(November 2023 – self released)
Where do I even start? This EP is unique from all the others featured here because it’s a one man creation (and a brilliant one at that). Not only is Weftin talented enough to cover all the bases on this release, you will find that he also covers many different genre’s. This one is ska with no rules and boundaries. It’s heavy, it’s dark, it’s deep, it’s fucking real. My favorite track on this album is FIFTEEN minutes long *gasp*. Sounds nuts but listen to it a few times and tell me you’re not impressed!
Favorite Track – The Black Pill
Wavebreaker No.4 – Joe Gittleman &. Bad Operation
(June 2023 – Bad Time Records)
This was my very first exposure to Bad Operation. Hearing this their unique sound on this split and seeing them live shortly after made me fall super hard for them! Paired with legendary Joe Gittleman, this is a must-have for all ska fans! Spin and chill.
Favorite Tracks -Carrie O, Stay Inside
Fishbone – Self Titled EP (2023)
( 2023 – Bottles to the Ground)
The boys are back in town! Ok, that was corny, but yo, we are closer than we have ever been to having the original Fishbone members together and my earholes are happy AF. This one has the band’s classic sound along with some modern twists and a collab with NOFX.
Favorite Track – Cubicle
THE MANIPULATORS – NO SYMPATHY
(April 2023 – self released)
This mix of ska-punk / ska-core is fun, yet serious at the same time! Throughout, I hear messages of the things we need to do to survive and what we do to cope and let loose. I can relate to this one every single day. Maybe you will be able to, also! Will someone put these guys on vinyl, please?!
Favorite Track- How to Live How to Die
The SKAgazine 