EP Review: Chicago’s Goodnight Afternoon breathe new life into ska with self-titled debut
Photo courtesy of Goodnight Afternoon.
In today’s reggae scene, you don’t hear as much ska as in year’s past, but Chicago’s Goodnight Afternoon is breathing new life into the genre with their self-titled debut EP. I’m absolutely loving the band’s energy, full sound instrumentation, and catchy tunes!
The band is made up of multi-instrumentalist Justin Wood playing a variety of instruments and vocals, Robby Fraticelli on sax, Steph Sulcer on vocals, and Pete Borcz on bass. They bring big energy to the EP’s first track “Jubilation” that has me nodding my head and tapping my feet! It’s a fun song that showcases the band’s songwriting chops and how Wood and Sulcer compliment each other’s vocals so well. Turn this one up loud as you start your day!
Everyone needs some “Free Hugs” and Goodnight Afternoon talks about the importance of finding our positive place and new energy. I love this jam’s catchy guitar hook and the drum beat.
“Blooming” shows off the band’s genre crossing sound and all round ability to make fun ska music that is both inspiring and thoughtful. The song brings up an important message about taking time to find yourself.
Goodnight Afternoon collaborates with Gerald Perry and Jade Tremba in one of my favorite songs titled “Projecting Love”. The song emits such positive vibes and a novel new sound blending ska, reggae, rock, pop and even a hint of hip hop.
Unwind and turn on Goodnight Afternoon’s “You Visit Me”, yet another example of the band’s fresh sound, deep lyrics, and fun to sing along to melodies. I cannot wait to follow the band’s journey and new music on the way!
By CB.
