Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish storm MRU

It‘s been a while since Calgary has seen the likes of third-wave ska kingpins Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake.

Not including Warped Tour, these bands haven’t been here since 2008. Including Warped Tour would make it 2009. Really though, who counts Warped Tour? Let’s get serious here.

I missed Flatfoot 56, because they went on at 8 p.m. and I was still at the Hub. As someone who is a big fan of pre-drinking, I was disappointed everything got into full swing so early. I like to drink till 9 p.m., get to the show in time to catch the opening band at 10 p.m., and watch the headliner by 11 or 11:30.

From what I heard from the bar though, they sounded excellent and I hope I can catch them again sometime.

Reel Big Fish, while not the headliner, drew out huge numbers themselves to get the party going in Wyckham House. Photo: Nathan Ross

Reel Big Fish played at 9 p.m. They’re one of my all-time favourite bands and didn’t disappoint. I admit though, I had only listened to one song off their new album, Candy Coated Fury. I wasn’t crazy about it, which may have kept me from seeking out the rest of the album.

However, their live show rekindled my dormant love. They’re excellent in regards to both performance and banter. It’s hard to not enjoy their show because even if you’re not a huge fan, you can know all the words to the chorus of one of their songs in less than a minute.

Not to mention their anger-infused lyrics, partnered with upbeat instrumentals, are fun to sing and skank along to.

They only played for just over an hour which reminded me of the aforementioned Warped Tour in the worst possible way.

I missed the start of Less Than Jake because I was at the bar trying to knock back a few between sets. You may be noticing a theme here. I know some of you are reading this and thinking that I don’t NEED to drink to have fun at a show and I shouldn’t have missed the first few songs just to get my drink on.

Whatever! It’s a punk show, and I need a few beers in me before I get thrown around in a mosh pit. I’m skinny and I bruise easily.

After getting properly hydrated I did get thrown around in the mosh pit, which is always a good time. Less Than Jake doesn’t have quite the same witty rapport as Reel Big Fish, though they did talk about drinking a lot, which usually gets people excited. They aren’t all talk either. Each member did a shot of tequila on stage.

With six albums under their belt they have quite the selection of songs to play, which meant they played a good mix that hopefully had something in it for everyone. When I listen to Less Than Jake my main concern is that they’ll be fast and loud, so I was satisfied.

The whole thing was over by roughly 11 p.m. The Hub closed up right after, and it’s not like I was downtown and could just continue my night hitting up a variety of bars.

It all ended too soon for me, which would be my major complaint. Come on Wyckham, can’t you give us til at least midnight?