The Slackers
The Slackers return to Mighty Sounds after eleven years. The band from the Hellcat stable should please especially those who enjoy offbeat music. The Slackers mix ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub or soul with incredible ease, but garage rock and jazz are not left behind either. The main figure of this Manhattan crew is the charismatic Vic Ruggiero, a likeable frontman, keyboardist with Italian roots and an unmistakable voice. Vic can write brilliant songs, head-turning melodies, and with a bunch of incredible musicians always around him, he’s really good at it. They have records and gigs galore. It must be added, however, that even though the most essential hits are mainly found on the first four discs, each subsequent CD is a gem that their fans can’t help but love.
Catbite
The relatively new ska reggae crew from Philadelphia has captivated ska listeners around the world. Like the Interrupters once did, Catbite offers hope for a revival of a slightly tired musical genre. We’re glad to see that, along with a few other bands, Catbite is creating a breeding ground for lovers of the second era. The band’s last double album to date was recorded in 2022 and is titled Catfite. Then in 2023 Catbite released two singles, one of which is a cover version of our favorites The Slackers.
Fast Food Orchestra
The festival stalwart with its mix of ska and reggae will arrive again this year. The Fast Food orchestra has been touring with their music since 1998 and their most recent release so far is a 2024 record called Bistro of Dreams. This festival season, the guys left styled in an Asian bistro and we’re already looking forward to seeing what goodies they serve us in the next one.
