The late 2010s saw the return of ska-punk on the music scene, once again making room for bands like Streetlight Manifesto. Coming straight out of New Jersey and led by Thomas Kalnoky, the leader of genre legends Catch 22, Streetlight Manifesto has been a key part of the ska genre since the early 2000s. They’ve ridden the highs and lows of ska over the years, enabling them to capitalize on ska’s recent return to popularity. Like any other ska-punk band, Streetlight Manifesto does some of its best work when performing live. They are always high-energy, and their brass section always sounds better in person, meaning every lover of the ska genre needs to catch Streetlight Manifesto the next time they’re on tour.

Catch This!

It can be hard to ignore the connection between Streetlight Manifesto and Catch 22. Kalnoky was the founder of both bands and is not the only musician to spend time in both bands. Of course, with Catch 22 being one of the most influential bands of the ska-punk genre, it’s not so bad for Streetlight Manifesto to be associated with Catch 22. In both cases, Kalnoky is the driving force behind the music, laying the foundation with an acoustic guitar before drums, bass, and the horn section. It’s a formula that’s allowed Streetlight Manifesto to release over half a dozen albums, keeping fans happy and helping to keep the ska genre alive.

Always a Party

No matter how good Streetlight Manifesto’s albums sound, there is no point in being a ska-punk band without playing live shows. Fortunately, the group has had no problem touring and taking their songs straight to fans. Streetlight Manifesto has ended up being a headliner on several notable tours with other ska bands. To be fair, Streetlight Manifesto has scaled back its touring in recent years. But playing live is very much in the band’s DNA. Yet, with opportunities to see them becoming increasingly rare, any fan of the ska genre should jump at the chance to see Streetlight Manifesto perform live.