Less Than Jake – See The Light
Review by Annette Schaefer
Anyone that has been following Less Than Jake over the years knows there’s reason the punk-rockers have been doing this gig for so long; they consistently create a unique blend of punk and ska that is both fun and catchy. It’s only been a year since the group released Greetings & Salutations, but they are back again with all the same hooks but with maybe a bit more of a refined sound than the last time around.
The album opens fast paced and with the sax and trombone blaring on the first track “Good Enough.” The whole album features this upbeat nature that incorporates the high energy and quick rhythms of punk and the laidback groove of ska.
The first half of the album features some of the strongest tracks on this latest release and maybe even some of the best songs I’ve heard from Less Than Jake in a while. “My Money is on the Longshot” grips with a head-bobbing rhythm and a chorus to sing along to. “The Loudest Songs” speaks to anyone who loves music and believes in its almost magical abilities to get us through any situation: “I believe it’s possible that words and chords can make us strong and make us feel alive…” “Do the Math” features the perfect vocal paring of Chris DeMakes and Roger Manganelli who complement each other vocally both in unison and harmony.
After the first half of the album the tracks tend to blend together a bit more and don’t stand out quite as much as on the first half. This is made up for by tracks like “American Idle” which brings it back with a fun melody and those same joyful harmonies in the vocals.
Overall this album may not quite live up the legendary qualities of an album like Anthem, but it is filled with so many great tracks that it will leave die-hard fans and newer fans alike satisfied and begging for more. In the end this is just another album of Less Than Jake doing what Less Than Jake does best: making infectious songs that never cease to entertain.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Recommended Tracks: “The Loudest Songs,” “Do the Math” and “American Idle”
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