Southern California Street Music

The ska-punk genre — once so popular in alternative circles — hasn't seen much commercial viability since its mid-'90s swell, resulting in fractured lineups and less-than-stellar sales from some former heavy hitters. Enter Voodoo Glow Skulls, who've soldiered through the decades with most of their original lineup (and original energy) intact. They've also continued chasing the same muse, as Southern California Street Music delivers the same punky punch as its seven predecessors. While other groups have added increased elements of pop to update their sound — mostly notably Less than Jake, who incorporated the use of synthesizers on 2006's In with the Out Crowd — Voodoo Glow Skulls refuse to reinvent the wheel on this release, which pits the trebly pop of horns against a raucous rhythm section and quasi-metal guitars. Frank Casillas sings entirely in English this time, having temporarily abandoned his bilingual vocals to focus on lyrics that delve into political and social commentary. He bashes the Bushs' presidential legacy during "Morning Air Raid Sirens," singing in a militant voice about "family traditions and breeding tyranny, veiled under the guise of the American dream." Political awareness isn't exactly a new thing; topical issues have often dotted the band's lyric sheets, but their presence here seems a bit more authentic. Perhaps the Skulls are growing wiser with age, but they've still got their glow.