If you ask a fan of ska to name three pioneering acts, you’ll likely find a lot of people answering with Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (RIP) and Less Than Jake. And for good reason. The staying power of the three legendary bands speaks for themselves; Reel Big Fish formed in 1991, the Bosstones were around as early as the mid-1980s, and Less Than Jake first surfaced thirty years ago. 

With that being said, it’s no small feat to successfully maintain (and grow) a fan base in a genre such as ska, an offshoot of reggae that routinely incorporates brass instruments to add a little flair and finesse. And to do that over three decades while continuing to sound fresh and motivated is exactly why LTJ are still in the discussion.

Silver Linings (Pure Noise), the Floridian collective’s ninth studio album released in 2020, was only the third full-length put out since 2008, but the five-piece hushed any doubts that they didn’t have much more significant to contribute. Additionally, the deluxe edition touts acoustic versions and includes the new track, ‘Empty Lines.’

It should come as a surprise to no one that Silver Linings harbors entertaining, warm and boisterous tunes. The two-headed vocal tandem that is Chris DeMakes and Roger Lima comes through expertly as always. ‘Keep On Chasing’ and ‘Lie To Me’ specifically highlight Less Than Jake’s propensity for positivity in their music.

Buddy Shaub (trombone) and Peter Wasilewski (saxophone) supply rhythmic refrains and horn-infested hooks. 

The most vintage LTJ track on the album, ‘Lost At Home,’ achieves its goal of turning a sad theme into bouncing happiness. A head-bobbing melody with a soft, gentle trombone and a strong brass solo/fill is anathema to the lyrics: “And I think I might have lost the war this time /

So, I surrender.” And even as an acoustic rendition, ‘High Cost Of Low Living’ is a full-blown party starter. 

If Silver Linings is nothing more than a reintroduction to the 2020 release, it’s still a rollicking good time. Throw in a new track, a quadruple shot of acoustic remakes and the confidence in a highly acclaimed ska act that have been doing this since just after the U.S.S.R. dissolved, and it’s damn-near impossible not to have a smile on your face.

Buy the album here: https://lnk.to/LessThanJake_Music

8 / 10

MATT COOK