By snoadmin
After four years of anxiously waiting, ska fans can now feast their ears on Suburban Legends’ latest full-length album “Day Job,” released today.
While delivering a full-fledged ska album like the band promised their fans, they also managed to incorporate other sounds into the track list that help make their album one of their best yet.
“Emergency” starts off with a blitz of the horn section and drum beat, paving the way for an upbeat track. Vincent Walker (vocals), a Cal State Long Beach 2006 marketing alum, narrates a worker’s breaking point in life – hence the “emergency.” The tune is cheerful, especially with a ridiculously catchy chorus.
“Love Fair” features both Walker and Brian Klemm (guitar) on vocals to deliver the most sonically diverse track. The track starts off with a metal-inspired sound and then transitions into something the band would have written during their “Infectious” (2007) days. Midway through the track, listeners can feast their ears to an unexpected ’80s metal guitar lick that Klemm delivers. It is songs like this that perfectly illustrate how the band is able to return to their ska roots, but still incorporate experimental sounds they have explored throughout their evolution as a band.
Songs off their 2010 “Going on Tour EP” (2010) are also included within the new album. Songs like “Open Up Your Eyes,” “My Friend,” and “Whoa” have been refurnished with extra horn snippets and layered echoes from Klemm and Walker. The songs have a greater substance with the new additions and sound richer than on their previous EP.
“Dude Alert” is the most standout and praiseworthy song of the entire batch. The rock song does not sound like it would come from this Orange County ska band, but rather from a classic rock group. The meshing of guitar shredding alongside the horns creates a contrasting sound that makes it far more appealing to the ears.
The band also included the fan-favorite Disney hits “Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Under the Sea.” Those who have seen Suburban Legends perform live know that these are tracks that the band is well-known from performing live. While they add their own flare to the songs, they still manage to do justice to the popular hits.
“Just Be Happy” and “Arigato” are both lively ditties that help progress the album forward. The lyrics for “Just Be Happy” encourage happiness and frown upon being a “hater.” Lyrically, it lacks substance when compared to the rest. Walker sings part of “Arigato” in Japanese, and despite a possible language barrier, it does not take away enjoyment from the song.
“My Girlfriend’s Pretty” features Klemm on vocals. The track sounds akin to something the Temptations would sing, but with some ’80s soul and a comedic twist to it. The exaggerated harmonies bring a cheesy ’80s melody to mind. Klemm’s singing-style and wailing makes the entire track humorous, especially when focusing on the lyrics.
Collectively, “Day Job” is the best follow-up album the band has released since “Rump Shaker” (2003). The songs may not be too daring, but they are all enjoyable nonetheless. The songs are perfect in displaying the band’s growth from their early days of ska, to experimenting with different genres, and still sticking to their roots.
For more information about Suburban Legends and to purchase “Day Job,” visit suburbanlegends.com.
