Less Than Jake - Do The Math [7-inch] (Cover Artwork)
Staff Review

Less Than Jake

Do The Math [7-inch] (2014)

Fat Wreck Chords


Those boys in Less Than Jake, they know what they're doing.

After all, it's not like they've been at it for 20 or so years. Back when they were just a local band in Gainesville (not yet helping to kickstart the ska—punk revival), they were pumping out catchy blasts of sugar—sweet tunes that had all the college kids jumping and singing along. LTJ continues that trend all this time later, releasing the Do The Math single, taken from their most recent Fat Wreck full—length, See The Light.

"Do The Math" sounds the same as on See The Light. A quick call and response guitar/bass riff introduces the tune, with the horns and drums quickly jumping in. A mid—tempo song, it sounds reminiscent of 2003's "The Science of Selling Yourself Short", inviting the listener to bounce along to the beat. "I count on one hand/What matters to me most" and "It's just not adding up" are lyrics that remind the longtime listener why they fell in love with LTJ in the first place. A great Summer song.

The b—side, "Connect The Dots", is the real gem on this single. More urgent than "Do The Math" (and most of the material on the latest album), "Connect The Dots" features bassist/vocalist Roger shouting over dual horns providing a second melody. Fans from the mid to late 90's may find that "Connect The Dots" would sound at home on LTJ's classic release, Hello Rockview, balancing loud guitars with an equally loud sax and trombone.

The Do The Math single is a sign that LTJ not only haven't lost a step, but have maintained their pace.