Ska Smackdown 2 @ Garden Amp [1/10/26]
Concert Review feat. Mustard Plug,, Half Past Two,, and Chudson
This past Saturday featured Ska Smackdown 2 at the Garden Amp in Garden Grove, CA. Co-headlined by legendary 2-tone group The Toasters and Michigan Ska Punk’s Mustard Plug,, the show featured the small but proud ska scene of Orange County sharing both the main stage and the more intimate Locker Room – including one particular ska band that was praised by David Kirchgessner himself as “the future of ska”.
Calypso’ Curse
Kicking off the night was Long Beach ska group Calypso’s Curse. The one-year-old band had a collection of music with classic ska and rocksteady beata that would have its volume turned up as the night went on. They played a collection of songs from their self-titled debut EP with themes of romance and friendship that were sung between lead singer Kimberly Sharon and bassist Shane Reider. The horn section consisting of a trombone, trumpet, and bari sax that stood out to me for their well-articulated sound reminiscent of 60s ska. They were the first of many bands of the night to dedicate songs to Renee Good and chant “Fuck ICE”.
Calypso’s Curse debut EP “Calypso’s Curse” is available for purchase on Bandcamp.
The Goodwin Club
The recently reunited Goodwin Club were supposed to open for the main stage, but were replaced by clones of The Golden Girls! The band was made famous in the early 90s for their teenage liveliness,, and 30 years later they haven’t skipped a beat: confetti blasting for the first song,, a 6 piece horn section (3 trumpets,, 2 trombones,, and 1 alto sax),, and a guitarist that looked like Harley Flannigan of Cro-Mags. This was an insane set that screamed 3rd wave ska and was the most fun of the night. They played originals as well as covers from The Aquabats! and Taylor Swift,, both from their new EP Join the Club.
The Goodwin Club’s EP “Join The Party” is available for purchase on Bandcamp.
Hooray For Our Side
Back at the Locker Room was Long Beach ska punks Hooray For Our Side. Hyping up their soon to be released single “Better Off Gone”,, the band embraced the classic OC blend of ska and pop punk that makes this scene so rad to be a part of. They had a chance to play my favorite track “Devil in the Details”,, as well as classics such as “Plastic Knives” and “Outatime”. Their set was made even more special with a strong horn section,, groovy bass lines,, and a talented Ian Beebe switching from keys to bari sax (Ian if you’re reading this,, drop the workout routine!).
Hooray For Our Side’s new single “Better Off Gone” releases Jan. 16 on Bandcamp.
The Iron Roses
What’s better than a talented queer punk band? A talented queer punk band that chants “Free Palestine” and plays ska,, which is exactly what I saw with Iron Roses on the main stage. They \ were he definite stand out from the other bands (and I mean that as a compliment) with 2 angry vocalists and another angry face-painted drummer. Their upbeat punk sound was also hard to ignore. They were also the most intimate with their fans,, at one point calling all the women and queer fans to scream out their frustrations with the world.
The Iron Roses’ new EP “AGITPOP” is available for purchase on Bandcamp.
Half Past Two
I stayed at the main stage this time to watch my very good friends from Half Past Two have their turn. Vocalist Tara Hahn is no stranger to the spotlight and that was clearly seen for the entirety of their set that celebrated 20 years of the band’s existence. They played some old songs (Aaron, The Castaway),, some new (Talk Is Killing Me; Dominoes),, and a new unreleased song! What hasn’t changed in their 2 decade run is their dancing horn section,, catchy pop riffs,, and surprise appearances,, such as Hudson from Chudson. A special performance from Tara’s daughter for “Dominoes” was also a highlight of the night. Although “Shine” is usually their closing song,, they had a surprise hardcore encore that didn’t disappoint the punk fans in attendance.
Half Past Two’s LP “Talk is Killing Me” is available for purchase on Bandcamp.
I must confess that I took a break from reporting to fully enjoy The Toasters’ set and skank to “2-Tone Army”,, one of my all-time favorite ska songs. I headed back to the locker room for Chudson’s set after “Dub 56”. Although Robert Hingley had to sit for the set,, he still killed it.
Chudson
My very close friends from Chudson headlined the Locker Room as they continue to define the next generation of OC ska punk. Fans were already anticipating all night for their set,, but all hell broke loose as soon as Chudsonman returned to lead the pit for “Off The Hook!” and their recently released single ‘Outta Line”. Their set not only saw the return of Chudsonman,, but also the debut of Box Silas. I left their set early to get ready for Mustard Plug,, but Angelo Moore of Fishbone,, who was present for the show,, caught their set and enjoyed what he saw (that’s what Hudson tells me at least). What else could be said: the kids are young,, ambitious,, and overall,, they’re alright.
Chudson’s new single “Outta Line” is available for free on Medicine Cabinet.
Mustard Plug
Finally,, as the lights dimmed and “Night on Bald Mountain” played on the speakers,, it was time for the closing set of the night. The lights went yellow as the band came out one by one until David came out front and center and Mustard Plug blasted into their opening song “Not Enough”. The iconic MP mascot came out to dance for their next song “Aye Aye Aye”. They would also play songs from there recent LP such as “Fall Apart”,, “Vampire”,, and “Why Does It Have To Be So Hard?”. David addressed how relevant their new album still is with the current state of the world while denouncing ICE and fascism (as all good punks should). That’s what Mustard Plug is so great at: combining dark lyrics with upbeat ska sounds for other songs played like “On And On” and “Mr. Smiley”. They also did a great cover of Fugazi followed by their original punk rock song “Go” which got the stage-divers up and jumping. One guy landed on his head though,, I hope he’s okay.
The highlight of their set had to be when David declared that he had “seen the future of ska,, and their name [was] Chudson”. I had a chance to talk to Chudson after the show to get their reaction. They only had this to say: “The Nautical Album is coming soon”.
In a Ska Smackdown finale,, they recruited the help of Half Past Two for their final song “Beer”,, which turned into a full on dance party with Chudson,, Chudsonman and Mustard Man together,, and other stagediving fans. I even found myself on stage for the finale! It was great to talk with David after the storm had passed,, as he seemed to really enjoy the set. I also had the chance to interview with guitarist/songwriter Colin (stay tuned for that). There’s no question now if there’ll be a Ska Smackdown 3 – see you next year!
Mustard Plug’s LP “Where Did All My Friends Go?” is available for purchase on Bandcamp.
Cover photo by Joma Mandocdoc (ig: @jrm.ptrp)