Images: Less Than Jake, Mad Caddies, Flatfoot 56, Mrs. Skannotto, Be Like Max October 8, 2012 at the Hard Rock Café on the Strip

If I made a list of the bands I’ve seen most in my life, Less Than Jake would surely be towards the top. And why wouldn’t they be? Besides the fact that they come to Vegas at least once a year, they’ve never slowed down in releasing quality, catchy ska punk. While I enjoyed their festival shows at 2011’s Warped Tour and this year’s Extreme Thing, I was excited to see them headlining the more intimate Hard Rock Café on the Strip, and they didn’t disappoint.

Less Than Jake were as funny and charismatic as ever as they drove through classics like “The Science Of Selling Yourself Short” and “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads,” which sounded great alongside new tracks “Goodbye, Mr. Personality” and “The New Auld Lang Syne.” The band is currently celebrating their 20 year anniversary and as such, dug deep in their extensive catalog for the raucous “Sugar in Your Gas Tank” and crowd pleaser “Johnny Quest Thinks We’re Sellouts.” The band joked when playing newer cuts that the crowd would love those songs if they had come out a few years earlier, but despite this bit of self-deprecation the crowd of hyperactive fans still went crazy for every note they played.

In direct support were fellow ska punks the Mad Caddies. For being dormant for so long, it’s pretty impressive how tight the band played. Vocalist Chuck Robertson was especially on point, adding a touch of soul to their eclectic material. They mentioned at the show that they’ve been working on new songs, and I can’t wait to hear them.

I’d never seen Flatfoot 56 play before, but I had high expectations since they’re signed to Less Than Jake drummer Vinnie Fiorello’s Paper + Plastick Records, which is home to more than a few of my current favorite bands. They play a style of Celtic-infused punk rock that isn’t far removed from the style of The Real McKenzies, and they’ve built up a reputation as a great live act. I have to corroborate those rumors here; they were a blast to watch.

Long-running, funnily-named ska/reggae/rock act Mrs. Skannotto was a later addition to this tour and I must admit that I was completely unfamiliar with them prior to this show. Luckily, they fit right in and I really enjoyed their set. Based on the name, I expected a sillier style of ska a la Reel Big Fish, but they reminded me a lot more of Alone in a Crowd era Catch 22.

Locals Be Like Max (who some of you may remember as Everyone Meltdown) opened the show, premiering a new lineup that now features members of fellow local ska act Tuesday After School. I don’t know if it’s the new members or reinvigoration from the name change but this was definitely the best show I’ve seen from the band. That performance, along with what I’ve heard of their new work (check out their music video for “Bobby Got a Van” ) makes me very excited to see what they do next.

-Emily Matview

Photos by Tyler Newton | http://500px.com/spottedlens

and Aaron Mattern | https://www.flickr.com/photos/akmofoto/