|  Ska band Less Than Jake | | (As published for Bournemouth Daily Echo)
FLORIDIAN
five-piece Less Than Jake played Southampton Guildhall on Monday as
part of a UK tour promoting their latest album, GNV FLA.
They
were supported by UK ska-rap group Imperial Leisure, who not only
delivered a fantastic warm-up set, but were openly grateful for the
opportunity - vocalist Dennis Smith claimed that touring with Less Than
Jake was “a real privilege”.
There was more support from Beat
Union and Pepper, but their performances were clouded by a meet and
greet with Less Than Jake that took place during their sets.
Finally Less Than Jake took command of their neon decorated stage, opening with All My Best Friends Are Metalheads.
They
encouraged crowd participation and joked with the security team, before
launching into History Of A Boring Town and Conviction Notice.
Frontman
Chris DeMakes was charismatic in his stage banter, bouncing off his
band mates’ exchanges with witty remarks, and admitting that their
Hello Rockview album was probably their finest achievement.
This
was the cue for tracks from that particular album, including Great
American Sharpshooter, Nervous In The Alley and Al’s War.
The
audience of mixed ages lapped up everything that the band had to offer,
every one of them singing, dancing and chanting all night long.
Confetti
cannons signalled an explosive encore, illustrating why these ska
veterans have been successful for over 16 years, and still continue to
draw in new fans.
Allana Cutter | |