Streetlight Manifesto is a ska / punk band from East Brunswick, NJ that formed back in 2002. They are one of my all time favorite bands and I would recommend them to anyone looking for some upbeat and unique music.
They began years ago through vocalist and guitarist Thomas Kalnoky in a three person band called Gimp. From there the more well know New Jersey band called Catch 22 was formed where they released their debut of Keasbey Nights. In 2001 Kalnoky gathered an even larger crew, who knew it was possible, and formed Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution, a short lived band with one EP release. Although Catch 22 still exists, many fans of the original Kalnoky crew do not consider them the same as the original, but instead latched onto Streetlight Manifesto.
Streetlight has released three major albums, including the re-release of Keasbey Nights, and continues to record as time goes on. They have a huge and dedicated fan base because quite honestly, no one compares. From the unique vocals of Kalnoky to the amazing instrumentals of the rest of the band, Streetlight really sets the bar high for new era Ska.
In September of 2008, the 99 Songs of Revolution was announced. The project will consist of two full length Streetlight albums as well as two full length Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution albums! In addition, four other albums will be recorded, two each by two members of Streetlight. It was rumored that the first of these albums would be released late 2008, as published by Victory Records. However, that obviously did not happen and we all still sit, bated breath, waiting for the first release.
Until that time comes I invite you to give Streetlight Manifesto a chance. If your at all interested in Punk or Ska music, they won’t let you down. Take a moment to listen to the attached track, “Down, Down, Down to Mephisto’s Cafe” off their latest release “Somewhere in the Between”.
Recommended listening to while: Skateboarding
