Album Review: Streetlight Manifesto - 99 Songs Of Revolution

Ska-Punk cover albums are kinda cliché, numerous bands have done it, some are good and some are just completely unbearable. Streetlight Manifesto are just the latest to show off their brass-based take on other artists songs, with '99 Songs Of Revolution', an album that sees New Jersey group covering songs by the likes of NOFX, Radiohead, The Postal Service and more.

Like most ska-punk bands, '99 Songs Of Revolution' is pretty harmless and is just there to enjoy from start to finish. Mason Jennings' 'Birds Just Fly Away' opens the album and is everything you'd expect, nothing more, nothing less. Whilst 'Hell' (originally by Squirrel Nut Zippers) and 'Punk Rock Girl' (The Dead Milkmen) are short, favourable stabs of high-class ska with the bands brass section hitting all the right spots, something which is consistent throughout.

The bands take on Radiohead's 'Just' and The Postal Service's 'Such Great Heights' are somewhat refreshing and the bands re-working of both tracks is creditable, especially the latter (take note Confide).

Overall Streetlight Manifesto give off a positive, bouncy energy, as their short, sweet and straight to the point style leaves no space for filler. '99 Songs Of Revolution' comes in at 32 minutes and truly shows the band have mastered the ska-punk genre. Its not challenging nor is there a lack of depth, as the band keep it basic yet enjoyable.

3.5/5

'99 Songs Of Revolution' by Streetlight Manifesto is released on March 16th on Victory Records.

Official Streetlight Manifesto website.

Sean Reid