Album Review: Less Than Jake - Losing Streak/Hello Rockview (Re-Issue)

A band with 19 years of experience and numerous albums and EP’s, Less Than Jake can easily be called veterans and key influential figures within the ska, pop punk movement.

Having recently left their major label Warners and deciding to start up their own label, Sleep It Off records, lead to the band re-releasing two previous albums in 2008. Their 1996 release 'Losing Streak' and 1998’s 'Hello Rockview' are the next albums from the bands catalogue to get a reissue, with added live DVD’s featuring a run through of both albums and re-worked artwork.

Both albums are great and really are a master class on how ska-punk should be done and Less Than Jake does it very well. 'Hello Rockview' is of course the better of the two albums, from the catchy horns in ‘Five State Drive’ and ‘Nervous In The Alley’ to the bands most well known song ‘All My Best Friends Are Metalheads’ showcase how infectious their ska punk really is.

Less Than Jake are a fun filled band who play perfect catchy ska-punk, listening to both albums will definitely bring a smile to your face, make you feel happier and maybe make you dance. The added DVD for both albums gives an insight into what to expect from a Less Than Jake live show and are a good added extra.

Both re-issues on their own label are no doubt there as something their diehard fans can pick up before they release a new full length album, I for one look forward to hearing as to what the band comes up with next.

Losing Streak 3.5/5
Hello Rockview 4/5

'Losing Streak' and 'Hello Rockview' are available now on Sleep It Off Records.

Official Website

Less Than Jake on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.

Aaron Wilson