Ska is underrepresented here in Chocolate Grinder, and that’s a shame. Something about ska’s combination of brass, bass, and punk-rock sass always sets my heart a’ flutter — perhaps it’s the aural evocation of summertime bacchanals, or more likely, all them middle school flashbacks (Less than Jake, anyone?). Mustard Plug are veritable ska vets, getting crowds skanking since ‘91, and they’re getting ready to release Can’t Contain It their seventh full-length. “White Noise” is the lead single off their new LP (out January 14 on No Idea Records), and if your reaction is anything like mine, you’ll probably find yourself unable to keep from doing the pogo. A slice of hooky, no-nonsense ska-pop, “White Noise” maintains the Michigan band’s M.O. of simple, sleazy fun. The trumpets! The sawtoothed riffs! All it needs is a guy in a checkerboard patterned suit, wielding a trumpet like it’s a Smith & Wesson. Fire away, fellas!
• Mustard Plug: http://www.mustardplug.com
• No Idea Records: http://store.noidearecords.com