A New Class of Boston Ska/Punk Bands

Having only been in Boston for a few months now, I’m not exactly an authority on the scene (yet). It’s not necessarily my place to decide who’s new and old, but the following three bands all introduced themselves as new in the Boston Ska Facebook Group.

This may say more about my own interests or how plugged-in I am (read: my age), but I find it interesting how much ska/punk seems to be coming out of Boston right now. It seems like the other scenes seem to still be generating more traditional ska or reggae revival acts. I think I’m partial to the later, but I’m also stoked to see new faces interested in ska of any sort.

Poor Jeremy wins for being totally unpretentious and for a bio consisting solely of “Ashley wanted a ska band.” That’s good enough reason as any to start a band, don’t blow smoke up my ass with how you met what bands you’ve been in. The sound reminds me of early Big D and they’ve got the energy to back that sound. Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, or stream two of their tunes on Bandcamp (pro tip: enable sharing so guys like me can embed your tunes on our blogs!).

The Causeway Bandits (not to be confused with The Make-Out Bandits, The Rx Bandits, or Time Bandits) hail from Saugus, MA, which Google Maps tells me is just past Revere which is the farthest I’ve traveled since moving here. Their first single, “Two Short of a Threesome” might wreak of sophomoric humor, but it’s a decently produced so-cal reggae Jam (something about those folks who live near a beach). Of the three bands here, they’re for sure the tightest and sound the most experienced. Check the single below, then like them on Facebook.

Allston’s Hobo Chili gets points for asking for a like and self-promotion, but loses points for not having anything to listen to. Or is it that they gain more points for asking for likes without having anything to listen to? Eh, eh? Like them on Facebook.

Either way, I’m always psyched for new bands and new energy. Keep ’em on your radar.