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8 out of 10
Less Than Jake follow on from the 2006 album ’In With The Out Crowd’ with their ninth studio album ’GNV FLA’. It seems that after a disappointing offering from their last album Less Than Jake have gone back to their true roots of earlier albums, such as 'Borders and Boundaries'. Likewise many fans found 'In With The Out Crowd' a big disappointment after such a great turnover for 'Anthem', a lack of feel good songs and a strong horn section it is clear that this was just a one off.
Making reference to their home state of Gainesville, Florida there is almost a welcoming home feeling to the title, finally restoring our faith in what was once a crucial band in the Ska-punk scene. Their first non-major label release since 'Borders and Boundaries' in 2002, these guys are surely showing us that they don't need a major record label to throw out a successful record.
It is difficult not to instantly think that records put out on smaller record labels may not compare to those released on some of the major record labels. Well that assumption is put totally aside for this album. Sleek and smooth production gives this album a good grounding to bring back the old Less Than Jake.
Alongside brilliant production the band have included a decent mix of styles within the album. The opening track 'City of Gainesville' throws a much slower and raw offering at us, which to some may be surprising to the usual gritty pun guitar chords they usually include. A little unfamiliar to Less Than Jake fans this track is certainly not disappointing, more of a nice surprise!
By the second track 'The State of Florida' order is restored and we begin to hear that familiar Less Than Jake horn section. But let's face it by the third track 'Does The Lion City Still Roar?" everything is into its full swing. This track definitely has the potential to be one of those album classics for example 'Science of Selling Yourself Short' off 'Anthem'. After listening to the third track it is clear that this song sets the upbeat ska sound for the rest of the album. Say goodbye to the dreary feelings of the first track and hello to bouncy, feel-good horn riffs and gritty punk chords.
I'm sure that I wouldn't be wrong in saying that this is one of the most consistently good albums offered from Less Than Jake since 'Borders and Boundaries'. After listening to the entirety of this album it will leave you in a feel-good mood, ready to stick it on your car stereo and let the sun shine on your face. Whether you are an old-skool Less Than Jake fan or this is the first time that you have picked them up it will give you 35 minutes of pure feel good ska.
Listen: www.myspace.com/lessthanjake
Tracklist:
1. City of Gainesville
2. The State of Florida
3. Does The Lion City Still Roar?
4. Summon Monsters
5. Abandon Ship
6. Handshake Meet Pokerface
7. Settling Son
8. Malachi Richter's Liquor's Quicker
9. Golden Age Of My Negative Ways
10. The Space They Can't Touch
11. Conviction Notice
12. This One Is Going To Leave A Bruise
13. The Life Of The Party Has Left The Building
14. Devil In my DNA
15. Antidote For The Underdog (Bonus Track)
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