Though some might wish otherwise, the fact remains that ska is not dead. While it isn't dominating the airwaves like in the late '90s, bands like The Interrupters, Half Past Two, and Millington have been keeping the genre afloat through the 2020s. Last year, a new band joined the fray: Twenty Something Summer. On the road to their debut full-length record, the sextet has opted to tide us over with our first real taste, in the form of the Pool Hoppin EP.

Twenty Something Summer is a side project of the members of folk rock band Adjy. Christopher Noyes, frontman for both bands, has a very unique sense of melody, so if you're already familiar with Adjy's output, you may feel right at home with Twenty Something Summer (so long as you can adjust to the upstrokes and horns).

Pool Hoppin reminds me of EPs from the '00s, with its offering of only three songs that serve to introduce the listener to what the band has coming up. But these three songs are all insanely good. The title track kicks things off strong, bringing loads of energy and classic Noyes lyricism and melodies, while "Central FL Siren Song" keeps the pace and brings the nostalgia factor in. My favorite of the three, though, is the closer, "Dance Party Holy War!" The song has an infectious groove and an emphasis on dancing as a form of togetherness, community, and maybe even worship ("It's never been just dancing for me, this is how I'm believing / clear the floor, no time for hedging bets / this is war / and tonight we do this all or nothing / if you can dance, then dance / and if you can, with someone else / and if you can't dance then sing 'beauty's gonna save the world'"). This may be my song of the year.

The Pool Hoppin EP is a mere 11 minutes long, but it's a great first look into what Twenty Something Summer will bring to the table. It's easy to throw on repeat, too; I often find myself listening multiple times in a row. Their pending full-length album is sure to be an absolute blast, and it's high on my list of anticipated releases. Take a few minutes of your day to check this out, and don't be afraid to put your skankin' shoes on.

- Review date: 8/18/26, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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