Stuck Lucky formed in the unlikeliest of scenarios. Ska was at its lowest point between 2005 and 2020, and the beginning of that era is when the Memphis ska core band first formed. Not only was that the unlikeliest of times, but Memphis, Tennessee is known for a lot of different music from country to rock and roll and blues to bluegrass. Unsurprisingly, ska does not fit anywhere in those ranges. A band born out of the wrong place and in the wrong time, yet nearly two decades later they are still going and still growing. They were arguably the largest ska band for a massive region in the country, and now they have just announced a new album on the Ska Punk International record label, due out in October, and with this announcement they dropped the first two singles and a video to accompany one of those songs.
As you’d expect from a band that formed when ska was at its least popular, Stuck Lucky has a sound that is distinctly their own- a blend of ska-core that incorporates some thrash. They are definitely danceable, and have catchy beats, but tend to be more aggressive and fast paced than many other bands and the thrash elements and punk vocals help them stand out, with occasional comparisons to bands like Voodoo Glow Skulls.
The two singles that have been released are “Rewind” and the album’s title track, “Counting Curses”. Both tracks show that the band has not lost a step as they approach their 20th year- and, if anything, they are continuing to grow and improve. Whether the vocalists are supporting each other, dueling or dueting, the interplay makes for a great track while the keys constantly add a layer to dance to and great rhythms. The only thing I don’t love is that the songs feel a little short and cut off when I hope they have a little more story to tell, a little more rhythm to keep me in the pit. Regardless, this is going to be a great album, and I can’t wait for October.
Written by Gimp Leg
