The A-Oks– Funempoyment Benefits
by Tim Wenger
Energy. That is one word that comes immediately to mind when thinking of Denver’s favorite ska/punk/party-time band The A-OKs. Their second album, Funemployment Benefits, carries on their tradition of frenetic energy and hazardous partying with ten tracks of irresistible skankability.
The album kicks off with “Misfortune Cookie,” an upbeat, danceable tune that highlights the band’s signature sarcasm and mocking lyricism on top of tight horn lines. “Anarchy in the Pre-K” is front man Mark Swan’s cynical look back on teenage carelessness from an older age. Justin Cantrell does a good job of making sure the guitar parts are not lost behind the horn lines throughout the album, matching his onstage personality.
Local legend, Ross McAffe, from Noise Gate Audio worked on the album with the band. It is easy to pick out the different instruments, and Swan’s vocals fit nicely over the top of it all. Their three-piece horn section plays as well together as any of the 3rd wave ska legends from the ’90s.
The best part about the A-Oks’ new record is that it makes me forget that I am getting old, and gives me the same epic feeling that ska/punk has since I was 14. This record is a must-have for all of you who are still skankin’ it up, and you old farts who still remember the Summer of Ska. They make me look down at the checkerboard tattoo on my arm with pride because “Baby, life is good.”
www.theaoks.com
Category: A-Sides
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