Less Than Jake

It’s been a whole five years since I first saw Less Than Jake, and they’re still going strong. The ska-punk band from Florida are back in the UK, touring before the release of the new album in May.

Less Than Jake are one of those bands who just seem to have been around for ever. After releasing album ‘Losing Streak’ in 1996, the band have been touring the UK almost every year since. The ability to regularly tour for approaching ten years, and still pack out big venues with fans of all ages, is a fantastic testament to a group of this genre.

While the band may look slightly older than they did back in 2001, the onstage energy and enthusiasm is still incredible. As they get the crowd into a frenzy with opening track ‘Gainesville Rock City,’ its clear that the energy on show today is the same as it was five years ago.

The set spans a wide variety of tracks, from the more recent album ‘Borders and Boundaries’ to the older ‘Hello Rockview’ and ‘Losing Streak,’ there is something in this set list to keep fans of all ages happy. A particular highlight was a medley of some of the older tracks, including the 30 second song from the Fat Wreck Chords ‘Short Music for Short People’ as a surprisingly enjoyable addition.

Two tracks tonight came from the new album, ‘In With the Out Crowd’ which is released on May 23rd. The album appears to follow on from the natural progression of ‘Borders and Boundaries.’ Some of the earlier bouncy ska style has vanished from the new tracks, instead sounding closer to tracks like ‘Look What Happened.’ New track ‘Rest of My Life’ reveals a more mellow and acoustic sounding side of the group, while the other sample tracks show a move away from the brass section-fuelled ska.

When they return to stage for the obligatory encore, the band come on holding leaf blowers with toilet roll attached to the ends. Their music might have matured, but Less Than Jake have certainly not grown up. Chosen for the encore were perhaps two of their greatest tracks. ‘Johnny Quest Thinks We’re Sellouts,’ and sing-along-worthy ‘Look What Happened’.

As they depart the stage to an explosion of confetti, it’s clear that Less Than Jake are one remarkable band who have stood the test of time incredibly well. This has been my fifth time watching them, and no matter what stage or venue, their live shows have never failed to disappoint.

Look out for Less Than Jake this summer at the Reading and Leeds festivals. While judgement remains reserved on the new album, they simply never fail to put on a top quality live show.

FUTURE GIGS

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