Joker's Republic - "Break the Cycle"

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New Jersey ska-punk trio Joker's Republic are back with a new single off their upcoming sophomore album. "Break the Cycle" isn't a traditional ska song, and is much more of a punk song, especially since Joker's Republic are without a horn section. But, as someone who discovered the genre in the 90's, "Break the Cycle" sounds perfect. This is a fun and upbeat track with a great punk style guitar solo. As with many of my personal favorite songs, Joker's Republic's latest may sound upbeat and bouncy, but the lyrics truly aren't (it is called "Break the Cycle," after all...) For those of us re-entering a new ska phase, or who never left their first, this one is going to be a lot of fun.

Austen Gray (vocals and guitar) says of the band's latest single:

“We're not really a 'traditional ska' kind of band, but we do like the music. 'Break The Cycle' tries to pay homage to the more 2 Tone sound while staying true to ourselves.” 

You can watch the video for "Break the Cycle" below. The Hand You've Been Dealt is due out October 10 on Punkerton Records, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Joker's Republic, check out the band's website.

On Repeat...

Brennan Leigh - "Dumpster Diving"

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Photo by Lyza Renee Brennan Leigh has quickly become a favorite of ours, with her take on a classic country sound with a slight sense of humor. Her latest single, "Dumpster Diving," which she describes as a "trashy little tune," is everything we love about the musician. It's a vintage style country song that comes in at a punk like one minute, forty-eight seconds. With a chorus of "Dumpster diving, this ain't gonna last / Dumpster diving, 'cause baby you like trash..." how can you possibly resist. Leigh's latest gives us a decades old sound with modern sensibilities and her fantastic voice that's tailor made for this genre of music. It's almost like a collaboration between Loretta Lynn and Shel Silverstein, and who doesn't want to hear that? You can hear "Dumpster Diving" below. Don't You Ever Give Up On Love  is due out October 3 on Signature Sounds, and is available for pre-order here . For more on Brennan Leigh,...
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Live Shows: Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys, Eight Foot Manchild, and Lovina Falls, The Sinclair, Cambridge, MA 7/12/25

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One of my favorite things is going to see a diverse live bill. Anyone can put together a show with three pop punk bands on it, but it's a challenge (and far more interesting) to put three unique bands on the same show and have it work out perfectly. Saturday night at The Sinclair saw the steamcrunk of Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys, doombrass heroes Eight Foot Manchild, and the baroque pop of Lovina Falls, and it was perfect. Opening the show was Lovina Falls, the current musical project of Valerie Forgione of Mistle Thrush. This was my third or fourth time seeing them in just a few months, and I'm still entertained every time. It's been interesting to watch Lovina Falls adjust and discover their sound over the past two or so years, and I think they've nailed their current sound down. It's an engaging blend of the baroque pop they started out with mixed with a more rock based sound. Songs like "Ellery Way" and "Vaulted" continue to ...
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First Listen: New Releases for 25 October 2024

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Artist : Rain on Fridays Album : Death to Affection Quick Thoughts : This came out of nowhere and blew my socks off. It's indie alt/punk, sometimes on the screamy side, but the angst and noise comes across so well and in such a great, fun way that I didn't expect. "Banshee" is a true highlight, but the whole album is not only one of the best of the week, but perhaps one of the best of the year. Songs of Note : "Phonophobia," "We Are So Alike," "Banshee," "Clusterfuck," "Knock Out" Artist : Tyler, The Creator Album : CHROMAKOPIA Quick Thoughts : Tyler, The Creator doesn't always work for me. The sort of doomy dark rap isn't always my thing, but people genuinely love this guy. CHROMAKOPIA makes it make sense for me - it has mood vibes similar to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy , but with some of the sonic stretches we've seen from more recent Childish Gambino records. I love this album, and if...
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