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As far as the inappropriately-named ska-punk genre is concerned, it must be difficult for bands to know how to exert any type of control over whether they sound like a parody of themselves. By treading these dangerous waters since the early '90's, Less Than Jake have released essentially the same album over and over again, until now at least. This latest offering may not represent much of a step forward, but it is a step forward nonetheless, and should be more than a pleasant surprise for their fanbase (which, given their low count of hit singles, is mind-bogglingly vast).On the strength of the opening three tracks alone, you might almost think that the Gainesville five-piece should be forgiven for all the substandard material they've thrown at unsuspecting baggy-trousered skate kids over the years. 'Welcome To The New South' is a catchy slice of pogo-inducing punk-a-rama, whilst 'The Ghosts Of Me And You' shows the creeping influence of emo-pop on today's punks in its slight resemblance to The Get Up Kids, as well as contemporaries Blink 182. As for 'Look What Happened', well, it's probably the best thing Less Than Jake have ever done; one gigantic saccharine chorus, featuring the vocal talent of Heather Tabor from the excellent Teen Idols. If this isn't soundtracking this summer's smash hit teen movie then something's seriously wrong with the people currently giving careers to Jason Biggs, Breckin Meyer et al.
That's not to say it's all good news, however. Single 'She's Gonna Break Soon' is irredeemably irritating shite, 'Motown Never Sounded So Good' is nauseating Barenaked Ladies indie-funk shite, and there are several pointless thrashes that are just, well, shite. But the biggest surprises are the best bits: their one attempt at proper reggae, 'The Science Of Selling Yourself Short' (which sounds like UB40, in a good way), and the Billy Bragg-esque 'The Brightest Bulb Has Burned Out', where they show admirable restraint by managing to not rock out and twat it all up. There's a decent Cheap Trick cover here too. Fans of the band will buy this anyway, regardless of what cynical hacks like this one may say, so it's a five star album for them. But for the rest of the world, let's just call it a three and be done with it. Fun, and possibly worth a listen, if nowt else.
