After a not so fantastic 2020 for not only the human race, but for the local music scenes across the country, there is something to be said for the healing power of ska.
Stemming from the brilliant mind of Backyard Superheroes’ Gary Mastriano, the new ska holiday album Arose Such A Clatter is a 34-track compilation of ska/punk originals and covers featuring bands from all over the country. These artists were able to record remotely, mask up for the studio, and do whatever it took to make this record happen.
This absolutely stellar album featuring more horns than rush hour in New York City, sells online for only five bucks (which is an absolute steal) with all proceeds going to Marine Toys for Tots.
The opening track “Quarantine Christmas” by the aforementioned Backyard Superheroes is an absolute banger that makes you want to get up and dance. Front man Josh Herschkovitz told us at The Pop Break that the song is a “spiritual successor” to last year’s “Coal in my Stocking.” Resident baritone sax player Bex Rose takes the lead on vocals in both verses which I absolutely love. The track obviously addresses our current climate with a dash of comedy, a pinch of hope, and an absolutely stellar outro.
Cover-wise standout tracks include Hooray for Our Side ‘s rendition of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” and Joker’s Republic’s take on Blink 182 ‘s “I Won’t be Home for Christmas” — both of which are absolutely next level. I love HFOS’ take on the iconic Mariah track with awesome lead Vocals reminiscent of Me First and The Gimme Gimmes and an amazing performance on the organ. Hearing Joker’s Republic make “I Won’t be Home for Christmas” a ska track is absolutely brilliantly executed with great bass work, and stellar vocal harmonies throughout. I had to hit repeat on this one a few times.
I also have to shout out the Skluttz ‘s take on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” featuring a very smooth jazzy-esque opening before it goes full force ska. The lead vocals are absolutely incredible.
Speaking of Incredible vocals I’m absolutely obsessed with Bite Me Bambi’s Tahlena Chikami ‘s voice. The band which is comprised of members of Save Ferris, Karate In the Garage, Suburban Legends, and My Superhero contributed a little “Holiday Cheer” to the album with a track of the same name. This is another favorite.
The Day After’s – The Year is another absolute banger with phenomenal production. The guitar tones sound absolutely amazing. Probably the biggest departure from the ska album this one reminds me of a Story of the Year meets NOFX meets Skillet. And I absolutely dig it. This is the heavy on the album and it brings it.
As of this writing, Arose Such A Clatter has raised over $1300 for Marine Toys for Tots. The fact that is also an AMAZING holiday album is just the icing on the Gingerbread House. This is a must have.
To purchase Arose Such A Clatter or any of its tracks head over to Bandcamp for a digital download.
Complete Track List:
1. Backyard Superheroes – Quarantine Christmas
2. Hooray For Our Side – All I Want For Christmas
3. Bite Me Bambi – Holiday Cheer
4. Joker’s Republic – I Won’t Be Home For Christmas
5. Something To Do – I Wish You The Best
6. 50’s Kitchen – Spitsaver
7. Millington – Jinglebells (Millingtonbells)
8. Thirteen Towers – Mamacita, Donde Esta, Santa Claus
9. Public Serpents – Irreverence
10. Half Past Two – Holiday
11. The Schwam – Rebel Without a Clause
12. The Day After – The Year
13. The Guilty Parties – Sources
14. Catbite – Horizontal Aggression
15. Disposable – Oi To The World
16. Joystick – Straight and Narrow (Bridge City Session)
17. The Taj Motel Trio – God Save The Scene (Acoustic)
18. Madaline – When You’re Sleeping
19. Honestly, Me – I Hope You Hear This
20. New Normal Collaboration – Great Divide
21. 4 Aspirin Morning – Santa in a Ski Mask (Stick ’em up it’s Christmas)
22. Lo(u)ser – Breaking Up for Christmas
23. The Skluttz – You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
24. Threat Level Burgundy – Christmas Cheer
25. The Upfux – Killjoy
26. Good Luck, Ugly – Thank God (Merry Christmas)
27. Llama Tsunami – Absolute Zero
28. The End Times – Black Hat
29. The Re-Adjusters – Contempt
30. Urban Crater – Home Alone 2 Die Harder
31. Tom Nevers Field – Forget My Wallet
32. My So Called Undead Life – Koimao (Recluse of Winter Mix)
33. Monkey – Don’t Panic
34. The Pandemics – Chains
