Say what you like about ska punk, but there’s no arguing that it’s been going through a mini revival in the last 18 months or so. Most people you ask will associate the genre with your Less Than Jakes, Goldfingers and Reel Big Fishes, but Mike Park has been a bit of a hero of the genre for well over a decade. His various bands and long-surviving label Asian Man Records have been a goldmine of great music, and the return of The Bruce Lee Band is more than welcome. This release sees Park putting the new Bruce Lee Band EP out via Really Records rather than his own imprint, with this incarnation of the outfit featuring Jeff Rosenstock of Bomb the Music Industry! Guest vocalists for the band’s first release in nine years include members of Anti-Flag and Andrew Jackson Jihad.
Primarily because of its length (sub 10mins), ‘Community Support Group’ feels very much like the taster of things to come with the promise of a full length in the near future and, fortunately, this turns out to be a good thing. It starts and ends without any sort of dull or weak moment with ‘Dianna’ probably being the best representation of the band. There’s a bit of the ‘Gypsy Hill’ era Big D And The Kids Table about the release, so there’s just enough balls to feel scrappy but enough melody and bounce to be fun and great for a sweaty singalong.
For those who don’t really like ska punk, then The Bruce Lee Band probably aren’t the band to convert you. For those who don’t know what it is, then this EP is really not a bad place to start. For those who love it, ‘Community Support Group’ will put a big smile on your face.
TOM AYLOTT