Source: Album Artwork
Ska-punk legends Less Than Jake just released a live album titled Live From Astoria on the 29th April via Rude Records. The album consists of 22 tracks played and recorded exactly 15 years ago on the third night of a three day run at the Astoria, during their Boarders and Boundaries tour back in April 2001. They’ve included a selection of the main Less Than Jake songs from their first four albums, as well as some tracks that are rarely heard live.
Saxophonist Peter “JR” Wasilewski said that “the London Astoria was always a special place for us. For a certain time it almost felt like a home-calling every time we played there. For us to be able to play multiple nights there on several occasions needed to be documented somehow. We hope our fans enjoy it as much as we did making it!”.
The album is jam packed with the vibrant ska-punk energy that is radiated by Less Than Jake, captured through renowned tracks such as ‘Nervous In The Alley’, ‘Look What Happened’ and ‘All My Best Friends Are Metalheads’. The live recordings are full of raw passion and energy and they’re really invigorating to listen to. They make you wish that you’d been there yourself. Chris DeMakes and Robert Lima’s vocals are consistently strong throughout and the commentary between the tracks transports you straight into the gig atmosphere. Not forgetting the cheering rumbles from the crowd in the background that sum up just how well the set was received by fans.
Tracks that have rarely been heard live such as ‘Ask The Magic 8 Ball’ and ‘Pete Jackson Is Getting Married’ feature on this album. The incorporation of Wasilewski’s saxophone and Schaub’s trombone in ‘Ask The Magic 8 Ball’ add so much vigour to the track and creates a very uplifting and entertaining atmosphere when played live. ‘Pete Jackson Is Getting Married’ pairs DeMakes vocals with Fiorello’s up-beat, robust drumming. It’s impossible to sit still and listen to this fast paced, vibrant track and the live version from Astoria is even more exciting.
Drummer Vinnie Fiorello, commented on the venue saying “the Astoria always felt electric when we played there and it translates on this live recording”. We couldn’t agree more. The album is an amalgamation of Less Than Jake’s best tracks, proof of their dynamic and energetic stage presence and a burst of ska punk energy. The set is atmospheric and a dynamic rush of nostalgia for both fans who were at the show and fans who wish they had been.
