Dying Scene Album Review: Mustard Plug – “Hey!”

Ska legends Mustard Plug are back with an eight-track EP entitled HEY!. This latest record highlights the band’s creativity and gives the listener a little bit of everything that Mustard Plug has to offer. It features four new tracks from last year’s Where Did All My Friends Go? album sessions; produced by Descendents‘ Bill Stevenson – as well as a few surprises.

Kicking off the EP is the title track, “Hey!”, a fast-paced song, best suited for a live show and an audience chanting along; it’s reminiscent of Evil Doers days and is a stellar start to the album. The second song, “Take Me With You,” takes it down a notch and adds a harmonic touch; although a slower tempo, it flows well with the rest of the album. Next up for new material is “West Coast,” a simplistic pop-ska-style track and the most energetic song on the album, showcasing the band’s favourite locations. Lastly, “Not Breaking Down” – it’s heavy-hitting, fast and made for the dance floor – you can’t go wrong with this track.

Now for the surprises… The teaser released for this EP was “Vampire,” from last year’s album Where Did All My Friends Go?; although it’s not the Mustard Plug version you’re familiar with. “Vampire (House on Fire)” has been remixed and reworked by Math(s) into a gothic-style EDM track and it is going over well with fans. The song “Now or Never” from the same album is now your classic dub track, thanks to the legendary, Victor Rice; dubbed perfectly with a syncopated rhythm and echoing vocals. There are a couple covers on this EP as well; “Springtime,” from the children’s show, Imagination Movers and “Waiting Room” by Fugazi; the latter has been a staple at live shows throughout the years.

This album is Mustard Plug’s most eclectic thus far, pushing the boundaries of their creativity while maintaining the style that fans adore. Hey! is available on December 13, 2024, on Dashiki Clout Records. And for all you vinyl collectors, don’t miss out on this limited edition vinyl either. Get Hey! here on exclusive maroon vinyl—limited to 300 copies.