Description
Voodoo Glow Skulls – Who Is, This Is? – Vinyl Record
Voodoo Glow Skulls’ Who Is, This Is (1993) is the debut album by the California-based ska punk band, known for their energetic fusion of punk rock, hardcore, and traditional ska elements. The album is a defining release in the third-wave ska movement, blending fast-paced punk rhythms with brass-driven ska melodies, and it helped establish the band as one of the leading forces in the genre. Voodoo Glow Skulls brought a unique blend of aggressive, fast punk energy with the infectious bounce of ska, along with a heavy dose of Latin influences that reflected their Chicano heritage.
Who Is, This Is is a perfect example of the ska punk hybrid sound, with upstroked guitar rhythms, prominent horn sections, and fast punk tempos. The band effortlessly switches between high-energy punk sections and groovy ska breakdowns, creating a dynamic and infectious sound. What sets Voodoo Glow Skulls apart from other ska punk bands is the hardcore influence that permeates their music. Fast, aggressive drumming, heavy guitar riffs, and raw, shouted vocals give the songs a harder edge compared to other bands in the genre. The horn section—featuring trumpet, saxophone, and trombone—is a vital part of the album’s sound. The brass instruments add a lively, energetic layer to the music, bringing a classic ska flavor to the band’s punk foundation.
Key Tracks
“Insubordination”: This track is a great showcase of the band’s fusion of punk aggression and ska rhythms. With its fast-paced verses and catchy brass-driven choruses, it encapsulates the chaotic energy of the album.
“Dog Pile”: One of the standout tracks, “Dog Pile” features a rapid-fire punk beat with punchy horn lines, highlighting the band’s hardcore punk roots. The shouted vocals and driving rhythm make it a mosh-pit favorite at live shows.
“Ugly Stick”: With its bouncy ska rhythms and humorous lyrics, “Ugly Stick” demonstrates the band’s ability to combine fun, upbeat ska elements with punk intensity. The song’s brass section is especially prominent, giving it a lively and infectious groove.
“Here Comes the Sun”: A cover of The Beatles’ classic, Voodoo Glow Skulls put their own unique spin on “Here Comes the Sun,” transforming the laid-back tune into a fast, brass-heavy ska punk track. It’s a fun and unexpected twist on a well-known song, showing the band’s playful side.
Like much punk music, the lyrics on Who Is, This Is often center around themes of rebellion, nonconformity, and frustration with societal norms. Songs like “Insubordination” reflect a rebellious attitude, with lyrics that push back against authority and conformity. While the music is aggressive, the band injects a lot of humor into their lyrics. Tracks like “Ugly Stick” and “Dog Pile” feature witty, tongue-in-cheek lyrics that add a playful contrast to the heavy, fast-paced music. Many of the songs deal with the struggles of everyday life, particularly from the perspective of youth. There’s a sense of frustration with the status quo, but the tone remains lighthearted, fitting with the energetic ska punk vibe.
The horn section is central to Voodoo Glow Skulls’ sound. Trumpet, saxophone, and trombone are used not just as background accents but as integral parts of the song structure. Their lively brass lines create a fun, danceable contrast to the aggressive punk guitars and drums. The rhythm section is relentless, with fast drumming that often borders on hardcore punk. The bass and drums keep the energy high, driving the songs forward with a sense of urgency and intensity. Frank Casillas’ vocals are raw, loud, and aggressive, adding to the band’s hardcore punk edge. His shouted delivery is intense but still manages to fit with the ska melodies, creating a unique blend of aggression and catchiness.
Who Is, This Is helped solidify Voodoo Glow Skulls’ place as one of the pioneering bands in the third-wave ska movement of the early 1990s. Their aggressive take on ska punk set them apart from other bands in the genre, and their influence can be heard in many bands that followed, including Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake. Voodoo Glow Skulls are one of the earliest bands to bring their Chicano heritage into the ska punk scene, adding a distinct flavor to their music. The band’s blend of cultural influences with ska and punk laid the groundwork for other Latin-influenced punk bands, such as Los Lobos and Brujeria. While the band never achieved mainstream fame, Who Is, This Is became a cult classic in the ska punk scene. The album helped the band build a dedicated fan base, particularly in the Southern California punk community.
Who Is, This Is by Voodoo Glow Skulls is a defining album in the third-wave ska movement, blending fast-paced punk aggression with infectious ska rhythms and brass instrumentation. With its high-energy tracks, rebellious lyrics, and a playful sense of humor, the album captures the essence of 1990s ska punk while showcasing the band’s unique sound. Voodoo Glow Skulls’ combination of punk attitude, Latin influences, and brass-driven ska helped set them apart from their peers and cemented their legacy in the underground punk scene.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Insubordination
Dirty Rats
Give In 2:23
You’re The Problem
Sin Berguensa
Wife And Kid
Country Phuck
Dog Pile
Here Comes The Sun
Too Many Secrets
Cheap Guy
La Migra
Ugly Stick
Bossman
Revenge Of The Nerds
