by Christmas Eger

On Friday September 14, 2012, ska punk pioneers Less Than Jake headlined an action-packed show at Altar Bar in celebration of their twentieth year as a band. They brought along Junior Battles and A Wilhelm Scream to get the party started. The supporting acts got things off to a running start.

First up on the package were the Canadian heart-throbs in Junior Battles. With fast riffs and hook driven melodies, these gentleman made the room take notice. This harmony-laced brand of pop punk would be for fans of bands like Bad Religion or Jawbreaker. Their high energy and stage
antics set the tone for the rest of the evening to come.

New England melodic hardcore mainstays, A Wilhelm Scream, were up next. They came out and did what they do best; delivering a no nonsense kick in the face to all those in attendance. With guitar and vocal-driven aggressiveness, they rock similar to bands like Strike Anywhere or
Strung Out.

Rounding out the evening were ska punk legends Less Than Jake. They began the set with “Gainesville Rock City,” and ended the encore with “Plastic Cup Politics.” In true Less Than Jake style, they blasted through all the hits, while debauchery, dancing, and confetti cannons ensued.
It was a celebration after all. It was Less Than Jake’s birthday party, and they were going to entertain their guests in style.

Below is an interview I did with singer Chris Damakes. He touches on band milestones, being on
the road, the new record, and even finds time to call me out a couple of times. What a guy!

(language warning. so there. you've been warned.)




Less Than Jake’s “Greetings and Salutations” due out October 16, 2012.