Review Summary: New Jersey gives Orange County ska a run for its money.
Infectious. That is probably the easiest adjective to apply to New Jersey ska kings The Waffle Stompers’ new EP called “Words with Enemies”. This Danimal Records sextet brings a fresh sense of ska to a genre that is constantly thirsty for progress. The first song, ‘We’re in for a Long Night’, is one of the best album openers in a long time. It brings the rock early and leads into some great upbeat action. The horns on this album are mixed wonderfully and come through at just the right times. ‘Bliss is Ignorance’ is the next track and the highlight here is the subtle background vocals. The song has a hard-hitting bridge that leads into a climactic ending that is savory to the ears.
‘Serious’ keeps the energy up before giving in to a slightly toned-down verse. The energy doesn’t last for long as the chorus picks it right back and lets the vocals soar, even ending the chorus on an almost a capella note. ‘Days like These’ continues the vocal onslaught against a subtle acoustic/electric guitar duo. Once the volume rises again, this track has really grown on the listener. Even though the horns are kept in the background for this tune, they add a full sound to the harmony that many ska bands could come nowhere near experiencing.
Thankfully, the energy picks back up on ‘I Fake Everything’. This track lets yet another take the spotlight as the bass player walks away with the bridge in a perfect groove. This leads to more punk-ish “whoa-ohs” that fit the track perfectly. The too short EP ends with fan-favorite ‘Tired of it’. Once again, the whole group combines to showcase their talent with blaring horns, rocking guitars, and excellent vocals for the scene. As an album closer, it is a great rocker that leaves you wanting more. A band can’t ask for much more than that.
These New Jersey boys breathe life into a genre that we all have come to know and love. Thankfully, the album is one that ska and pop-punk fans can both find a lot to enjoy. With influences ranging from Reel Big Fish to Paramore and The Living End, it is a wild ride of an EP. The only true downside to the collection of music is that fans still don’t have a full length to put into their record players. Eighteen minutes is a lot more than some punk EPs but this one leaves you itching for more.
