Oh my God! Where the hell have I been? After popping in "Less Then Jake's" newest release, "Hello Rockview," I have come to the realization that I have been in a cave or something, because these guys just rock. I am completely taken over. From track one I am an instant fan. With this being their fifth record, I can't believe I've been missing out on these guys.

Chris (vocals, guitar), Roger (bass), Vinnie (drums), Buddy (trombone), Derron (bari sax) and Pete (trombone) make up the line up of this punk/pop-ska extravaganza from Gainesville, Fl. Combining the energy and punk flavor of Gold Finger, with the pop/punk side of Greenday, it is easy to see that these guys are the band who inspired bands like Spring Heeled Jack USA and Wasted Time.

"Hello Rockview" is loaded with aggro guitars, punchy horns, yelping vocals and ska-inflected rhythms. From "Last One Out Of Liberty City" to "Al's War," this record hits with song after song that will quite simply kick your ass. Pop this CD in and just try to stay still. I dare you. You will undoubtably be bouncing about your living room by track two.

To pick out songs that stand out on this one is really hard, but to name a few, check out "Help Save The Youth Of America From Exploding," "All My Best Friends Are Metal Heads" and "Big Crash."

"History Of A Boring Town," the record's first single, has already seen rotation on Los Angeles (KROQ), San Francisco's (KITS) and Boston's (WBCN), among others, and will no doubt heat up throughout the country. If you think you've heard the last word on punk/pop-ska think again. These guys deserve your attention.

For those of you who are in New York "Less Then Jake" will be at The Hunk-a-Bunka Theater in Sayville on December 3rd. Be there, I know I will.