Mike Park / Catbite Wavebreaker #2

SKA Legend Mike Park AND Rising Stars Catbite Join Forces FOR A Generation Spanning Second Installment IN THE BAD Time Records ‘wavebreaker’ Series ON Limited Edition SEA Blue Vinyl If you’ve ever dipped a toe into the world of ska, vinyl, or DIY punk music from the past 30 years... there’s a good chance that the name Mike Park has come up. Founder of Asian MAN Records, Skankin’ Pickle, THE Bruce LEE Band, and a wealth of solo material and side projects, Mike has been pairing his love of punk and ska with damn good song writing throughout his career. On Wavebreaker #2 he brings us two ska instant classics, starting with “I couldn‘t wait out through the night”... a more traditonal track with a heavy groove and soulful sax, featuring vocals by the equally legendary Karina Denike of Dance Hall Crashers. He follows it up with “Lose With Me”, a speedy ska punk dance-floor filler that’s sure to please all generations of Park’s fans. It’s clear that he’s got an ear for great songwriting when you listen to these songs (or even just take a look at the AMR roster)... but when asked who is favorite modern ska band is, Mike says without hesitation... “Catbite!” If you’ve dipped a toe into the re-blossoming world of ska over the past 4 years, there’s also a good chance that the name Catbite has come up. Hot off of their 2021 sophomore LP “Nice One”, Catbite has been bringing their unique spin on two-tone style ‘garage punk’ ska across America. Fresh off of tours with Jeff Rosenstock and Streetlight Manifesto, Catbite is poised to bear the torch for the next generation of ska bands and fans. “Spiral” is an rhymitcally upbeat but lyrically dark aural fistfight with depression and self deprecation, played with a vigor and venom of a band totally locked in and all topped off with a staggering vocal performance from singer Brittany Luna. “Everybody Talks” certainly lightens the mood, and makes you instantly realize why the band would choose to cover this Neon Trees hit... it’s executed perfectly. Born out of mutual respect and a love of ska music, Wavebreaker 2 showcases two artists at the top of their game giving an under-appreciated genre just the jolt of addrenaline it needs and deserves.