Less Than Jake - Sound The Alarm

It has been a number of years since  Less than Jake have brought any new music to the table; I think the last time I saw them play live was at the LCR when I was still at sixth form! My music taste hasn't changed a great deal since then so I was eagerly anticipating my first listen of Sound the Alarm on the basis that I could be catapulted back to those pre-adult, carefree days. This record did exactly that for me and if you used to be a fan back in the day I have no doubt this collection of songs will have you bouncing along the street with it up loud in your head phones. The opening track Call to Arms packs a punch and the momentum remains high as the album progresses. Classic LTJ themes such as supporting the underdog and kicking out against the 9-5 brainwashing in society remain common place throughout as does the familiar, up lifting ska-punk back beat. The track Welcome to my Life that stuck in my head as being the most similar sounding to the LTJ from my teenage years, however towards the end there is a track called Years Of Living Dangerously which definitely mixes things up and gives a more mature sound to the body of work. If you were a fan as an angsty teen and you’re still young at heart like these dudes from Pasadena then there is no doubt you will love this album. Catchy, nostalgic, easy listening.