I keep gushing about the Michigan ska scene, and the Michigan ska scene keeps rewarding me with more great music. For those of you late to the party, Ypsilanti, Michigan’s The Boy Detective is a ska punk band that plays mostly punk music with a full horn section that fits in perfectly with any ska punk scene. Everyone I know who has seen them live raves about their live performances, and after putting out a full 14-track LP in November of last year, has started 2025 off with three singles in the first three months, and all three of them are phenomenal.
This most recent single, titled The Wonton Will of the Harlot’s Hand, starts off with a vocal intro, and actual ska punk rhythm, demands heavy skanking, and is loaded with heavy drums and punk rhythms with more stellar horn work. It’s two minutes of absolutely aggressive ska punk storytelling that begs you to sing along and dance.
The story is about a protagonist, going to the bar, drinking away his sorrows, coming home to let down someone they care about, breaking promises, and eventually, disappointed in themselves, committing the ultimate act of self-harm. The song about drinking problems away, feeling like a disappointment, breaking promises, and letting down those you love is too familiar for many of us.
If you or someone you know is going through a similar situation, or are considering self-harm, including suicide there are resources available for help. In the US, you can call 988 for suicide or mental health crisis. There are also groups to help with alcoholism and other addictions. Please know that you are worth loving and worth saving. I love you all.
Written by Gimp Leg
