Five
Financial, 2020
9/10
The ska-punk veterans return with another batch of horn friendly, charged rockers, where maturing certainly doesn't translate to selling out, as they refine their formula while remaining true to their unwavering punk rock roots.
“Sober” starts the listen with fuzzed out guitars, throbbing bass and bright brass as their timeless delivery sounds better than ever with giant hooks, and this energy continues to the rhythmic “Tonight We're Getting Loud”, as well as the anthemic approach of “Involuntary”.
With a dozen tracks and not a dud in sight, back half highlights include the gritty, traditional punk influenced “Enemy”, and the infectious sing-along and pogo friendly love song “Never Have I Ever”. The album highlight arrives late in the listen as the precise musicianship and blistering pace of the raw, cultured “The Edge” finds the luminaries seeing a career high with their always impressive song craft.
It's hard not to think of their pals The Mighty Mighty Bosstones when listening to VOC, which I doubt few people will have a problem with, as this fifth album from the Florida legends unfolds with equal parts punk, rock and ska, where a wealth of experience and talent ensure a great time to be had from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Slightly Stoopid- Everyday Life, Everyday People; Booze & Glory- The Reggae Sessions, Vol. 1