Coolidge – Condition Transmission

What’s first coming up to your mind when it comes to ska music? There are plenty of groups out there, right? Well, you’re not far from the truth, but there are plenty of bands out there who’re nurturing such a sophisticated sound that goes way beyond some ska standards. Coolidge is one of those groups who unquestionably know what they’re doing. Their music explores several genres rarely explored by other contemporaries. Therefore, their music appears as a bit of refreshment on a repetitious ska scene, which undoubtfully recycles the same ska chops over and over again. Since their formation, the group released Pop Star Baby, a catchy debut that certainly shifts the boundaries of ska-punk music, but wait until you hear their brand new material.

Coolidge is making a proper comeback on the scene with their most advanced recording called Condition Transmission. This particular material carries ten hypnotic compositions, decorated by luxurious production. Perhaps Coolidge explores every known and hidden corner of ska music, but this band showcases more than meets the eye as the album proceeds. Besides the dominant presence of ska sound, you may hear other ingredients lurking around upfront or in the very background. Their style entirely depends on the current mood of the involved musicians, who’re sounding like a charm from scratch to finish. At some points, you’ll hear some skate rock or pop-punk maneuvers, dream pop slide guitars, funky chords, jazzy basslines, and hypnotic brass segments. However, Coolidge remains loyal to the ska base almost entirely throughout the entire album. Condition Transmission also embraces indie rock and alternative rock aesthetics that pair to the beforementioned foundations of ska music.

At some points, you can hear a strong resemblance with some renowned names in the genre. Condition Transmission resembles something that Mad Caddies, Less Than Jake, Streetlight Manifesto, The Slackers, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, or other similar bands would eventually record during their careers. However, Coolidge sounds much calmer, detailed, sophisticated, and explores far more genres than any of the abovementioned groups. You’ll fall in love with their music even if you’re not an admirer of ska music, mainly because of their expanded sound, which encapsulates everything from skate rock to dream pop. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of ska music, then this material will become one of your favorites when you need cheerful tunes the most. Condition Transmission is available on streaming services, such as Spotify, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud.