Album Review: Less Than Jake – Silver Linings (Deluxe) (Pure Noise Records)

Released at the tail-end of 2020, Silver Linings is the 9th studio album by ska punk band, Less Than Jake. Their Pure Noise Records full-length debut, it is the same label that will putting out the deluxe edition of Silver Linings on the 21st of October 2022.

Featuring two rare full-band bonus tracks and four acoustic versions of tracks that appear on Silver Linings. This deluxe edition has been transformed from a 12-track release to an 18-track release. One that is for the hardcore fans but one that will put a smile on the faces of all who hear it.

Yes, Silver Linings itself is around 2-years old but that doesn’t mean its impact has lessened. In fact, it may have grown, as positive music with a strong sense of honesty seems more important than ever these days. It’s that sort of music you’re guaranteed to get with Less Than Jake but that that certainly doesn’t mean the band don’t tackle bigger and deeper subjects on Silver Linings.

Like almost everything the band puts out, it’s a very likable release with tracks that make you want to dance, with tracks that make you want to rock out and tracks that make you want to skank. All to your hearts content. Highlights of Silver Linings include the powerful bounce of Lie to Me, the fast-paced punk energy of Dear Me, the dramatic Monkey Wrench Myself and the melodic infectiousness of So Much Less. Just a handful of the enjoyable Less Than Jake music that Silver Linings offers.

… but you already know this. After all, you’ve been listening to it for the past two years, right? So, what about the new tracks and the acoustic tracks?

The new tracks are called No One to Judge Me and Empty Lines. The former has a lot of energy and a chorus you’ll just want to sing along too, if you can keep up. Whereas the latter is Less Than Jake 101 with their usual amount of ska pep and heartfelt melody. Both tracks are solid, if nothing to write home about.

Which then brings us to the acoustic tracks. Anytime and Anywhere, Dear Me, High Cost of Low Living and Move all getting the treatment. Certainly, the reason for fans to come back to this album as each acoustic version offers something fresh and obviously different. Something catchy and something sweet.

Silver Lining Deluxe is not necessary listening even if you’re really familiar with the non-deluxe version. That’s simply because the ‘deluxe’ part of it doesn’t offer enough. Yet, what it does offer will get and hold the attention of fans.

Less Than Jake – Silver Linings (Deluxe) Full Track Listing:

1. The High Cost of Low Living
2. Lie To Me
3. Keep on Chasing
4. Anytime and Anywhere
5. The Test
6. Dear Me
7. Monkey Wrench Myself
8. King of the Downside
9. Lost at Home
10. Move
11. Bill
12. So Much Less
13. No One To Judge Me (Bonus Track)
14. Empty Lines (Bonus Track)
15. Anytime and Anywhere (Acoustic)
16. Dear Me (Acoustic)
17. High Cost of Low Living (Acoustic)
18. Move (Acoustic)

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