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"[Silver Linings] is probably the most complex album the band has ever put forth, showing the lyrical prowess and range of vocalists Chris DeMakes and Roger Lima better than arguably ever before — all laid over their traditionally rapid ska sound." - Spin Legendary ska-punk band Less Than Jake release their ninth studio album with Silver Linings, their first full-length for Pure Noise since 2013's See The Light. The album doubles as a bunch of sonic diary pages and a mission statement that cements their conviction after two decades in this rock ‘n’ roll circus. Indeed, LTJ—frontman/guitarist Chris DeMakes, bassist/vocalist Roger Lima, trombonist Buddy Schaub, saxophonist Peter “JR” Wasilewski and new drummer Matt Yonker—have escaped most (but not all) forms of ennui, depression and violence against screen-based objects to create an endorsement of humanity. Silver Linings also does a good amount of myth-exploding in its pursuit of joy. The songwriting core of DeMakes, Lima and Wasilewski wrote all the lyrics. New drummer Matt Yonker, whose former positions included LTJ tour manager and hammering along with such punk outfits as the Teen Idols and the Queers, helps bring a new sense of urgency. And that album title? Yeah, that was decided upon long before bands began to offer face masks in their online merch stores. Pro tip: Dial back your preconceived notions. The only things the Jakes have to prove are to themselves. Their laurels aren’t so comfortable that they’d willingly choose to be painted into a retro- colored corner. This Deluxe edition adds two all-new bonus tracks alongside 4 new acoustic renditions! “We allowed ourselves to be vulnerable. In the past, previous records’ lyrics were about leaving a specific place or time. This is more about the departures in our personal lives: family, friends, relationships. We’ve never really explored that side. With this record, we tried to pull back that curtain. We’re showing some fragility in a time when people seem so hardened. We’re not looking for silver linings. The record is about appreciating them. Nobody appreciates them until maybe it’s too late or maybe it’s after the fact.” - Peter “JR” Wasilewski (Sax)