Paying homage to their home town Gainsville, Florida; GNV FLA is Less Than Jake’s seventh album, and it’s no surprise to here the boys get back to their roots and produce a classic LTJ sounding record. This album also marks the first album to be recorded and released through their owned and controlled record label Sleep It Off Records. A series of old records have been re-released also through the label with bonus DVDs so fans should keep an eye out for them.
When you think of LTJ, you immediately think of horns and trumpets and all things ska, and that’s exactly what you get with this album. The opening track City Of Gainsville sets the tone for the rest of the album – both in tribute to their town and the classic horn driven pop punk we have come to expect on LTJ records. Without hesitation they blast into The State of Florida; a much faster heavier punk sound and the only track not driven by a trumpet or horn of any type. Having always preferred their less horny music, it’s no surprise this is my favourite track on the record. Next up is Does the Lion City Still Roar? (notice the hometown theme emerging) the horns are back and so too is the classic LTJ bouncy pop punk sound we have come to know and love.
The rest of the record continues in a similar fashion, which is great for all the LTJ fans out there. I admire the band for sticking to their guns. They have built their fan base playing this type of music and their fans should love this record. There is nothing worse than a band that totally changes their musical direction, losing all the fans that got them to where they are. The only change in pace comes on the track Abandon Ship, when they combine an edgy punk sound with slower more heartfelt horn section to produce a great little track.
After seven albums, and a massive worldwide fan base, I doubt LTJ would be too concerned with trying to explore new sounds to reach a different demographic of fan. We have been spoiled the last couple of years with LTJ being regular tourers of Australia. I cant wait for their return to hear some of this album in a live show. LTJ fans get out there and get this record – you won’t regret it.
