The Toasters
The Toasters are an American third wave ska band formed in New York City in 1981 by Buck, the group's only constant member over four decades.[1] Pioneers of the genre in the United States, they connected the British 2 Tone ska movement of the late 1970s with the American ska revival, performing their debut show opening for Bad Brains that year and issuing their first single, "Beat Up," in 1983.[1] The band's 1985 debut EP, Recriminations, produced by Joe Jackson, prompted the establishment of Moon Ska Records to promote their music and other ska acts amid limited commercial interest.[1] The Toasters have released nine studio albums, beginning with Skaboom! in 1987 and including later works such as One More Bullet in 2007, often through labels like Moon Ska, Megalith Records, and Stomp Records.[1] Featuring a rotating lineup that has included vocalists like Coolie Ranx and reggae musician Lester Sterling, the band maintains a core sound rooted in uptempo ska rhythms blended with punk energy.[1] They are recognized as the longest-running ska formation in the US, having bridged early influences with the third wave explosion of the 1990s.[2] Sustained by relentless touring—averaging more than 200 shows annually—the Toasters have approached 5,000 lifetime performances while fostering the broader ska scene through Moon Ska Records, which launched numerous acts before its closure in 2000.[3] Their influence extends to endorsements from contemporaries, such as ranking among the top ska bands selected by Mighty Mighty Bosstones frontman Dicky Barrett.[4] Despite lineup changes and label shifts, the band continues global tours and releases, embodying enduring commitment to live ska performance.[1]History
Formation and Early Years (1981–1986)
The Toasters were founded in New York City by British guitarist and vocalist Rob "Bucket" Hingley in 1981, emerging from informal jam sessions that began in the fall of 1980. Hingley, who had relocated from the United Kingdom to manage the Forbidden Planet comic book store, drew inspiration from the UK's 2 Tone ska revival and punk scenes, fusing these with the raw energy of New York City's Lower East Side punk environment. Initially conceived as an after-work outlet for amusement among friends and coworkers, the group started with Hingley on guitar, his roommate Steve Laforge on keyboards, and a rotating cast including two or three employees from the store and local bar acquaintances.[1][5] By early 1981, the lineup stabilized somewhat with the addition of drummer Scott Jarvis, formerly of the Beastie Boys, and the band rehearsed twice weekly at a space on 181 Avenue A, sharing the venue with acts like Bad Brains. Their debut performance occurred that year at a local Avenue A club, opening for Bad Brains, marking one of the earliest ska-oriented shows in the nascent NYC scene. The group adopted the name The Toasters after an initial 1982 demo recorded under the tongue-in-cheek moniker "Not Bob Marley," emphasizing their ska roots while navigating the punk-dominated clubs.[5][1] In 1983, The Toasters secured a breakthrough by auditioning successfully at CBGB, earning a regular weekend slot that allowed them to perform dedicated ska sets and build a grassroots following through college radio airplay and fanzine coverage. That same year, they released their first single, "Beat Up," as a 7-inch vinyl on the short-lived Icebear label, which was later reissued via Hingley's own Moon Records imprint. The track exemplified their early sound: upbeat ska rhythms infused with punk aggression, performed by a core rhythm section without a full horn ensemble.[5][6][1] The band's momentum culminated in 1985 with the release of their debut EP, Recriminations, produced by Joe Jackson and issued on Moon Ska Records, which Hingley founded to distribute the recording after label rejections. Featuring four tracks that highlighted Hingley's songwriting and the group's tight instrumentation, the EP captured their role in igniting the American ska revival, predating the broader third-wave explosion. Through these years, The Toasters remained a fixture in the Lower East Side underground, performing at venues like CBGB and Danceteria while influencing a wave of younger local musicians, though lineup fluidity persisted amid the era's DIY ethos.[5][1][6]Rise in the Third-Wave Ska Scene (1987–1995)
The Toasters gained prominence in the emerging third-wave ska scene with the release of their debut full-length album Skaboom! on April 28, 1987, via the Celluloid label, which featured tracks like "Talk Is Cheap" and "Pool Shark" and is widely regarded as a foundational recording for modern American ska.[7] This album blended traditional Jamaican ska rhythms with punk energy, helping to ignite interest in the genre among U.S. audiences during a period when ska was largely underground outside the UK and Jamaica.[8] The band's efforts, led by founder Rob "Bucket" Hingley, positioned them as key initiators of the third wave, drawing from second-wave influences like The Specials while adapting to New York City's punk scene.[9] Building on this momentum, The Toasters released Thrill Me Up in 1988 on Skaloid Records, followed by This Gun for Hire in 1990, which further solidified their fanbase through energetic live performances and tracks emphasizing social themes like urban frustration.[10] These albums contributed to the consolidation of a burgeoning New York ska community, with the band performing extensively in the U.S. and Europe to promote the sound.[11] By 1992's New York Fever and 1994's instrumental-focused Dub 56, The Toasters had influenced a wave of imitators, popularizing ska-punk hybrids and underground circuits that foreshadowed the genre's mid-1990s commercial uptick.[10][12] Hingley's establishment of Moon Records (initially in 1983, later rebranded as Moon Ska) provided a platform for self-distribution amid label challenges, enabling the band to nurture the scene by releasing material that evaded major industry disinterest in niche genres.[13] This DIY approach, combined with over 100 live shows annually in the early 1990s, amplified their role in sustaining third-wave ska's vitality before broader punk-ska fusions gained traction.[14]Moon Ska Records Era and Lineup Instability (1996–2000s)
In 1996, The Toasters released Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down, their final studio album on Moon Ska Records, featuring a core lineup including founder Robert "Bucket" Hingley on guitar and vocals, Matt Malles on bass, Jonathan McCain on drums, Fred Reiter on saxophone, Brian Sledge on trumpet, Rick Faulkner on trombone, and Dave Barry on keyboards.[8] The album incorporated restrained ska rhythms with reggae and emerging reggaeton influences, reflecting the band's evolution amid the third-wave ska revival.[8] That same year, they issued Hard Band for Dead, a collection blending original tracks and covers with guest appearances such as Laurel Aitken, further showcasing their label's output during a period of sustained activity.[11] [8] Moon Ska Records, established by Hingley in 1983 to support the band's early work, continued as a primary outlet for The Toasters through the late 1990s, releasing live recordings like Live in London in 1998, which captured their energetic performances and enduring appeal in the ska scene.[15] However, the label faced mounting challenges, culminating in its closure in December 2000 due to distributor failures, excessive product returns, bands departing without notice, and declining sales amid broader industry shifts.[16] This event marked the end of a significant era for the band, as Moon Ska had been instrumental in promoting third-wave ska but struggled with financial sustainability in a changing market. Lineup instability intensified during this period, with the 1996 core group representing a relative high point of continuity before members began drifting apart following the release of Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down.[8] By the early 2000s, only Hingley, Sledge, and Barry remained from the 1990s configuration, as others pursued separate projects, including Reiter and Faulkner forming the New York Ska Jazz Ensemble.[8] Hingley, the sole original member since 1981, anchored the band through frequent rotations, incorporating past contributors and new faces like trombonist Buford O'Sullivan around 2000, amid a pattern of shifting personnel that characterized the group's resilience but also operational challenges.[8] This turnover reflected broader dynamics in the ska punk scene, where touring demands and creative divergences led to high member flux, yet allowed The Toasters to persist with Hingley's vision intact.[1]Recent Activities and Endurance (2010s–Present)
In the 2010s, The Toasters maintained their focus on live performances rather than new studio material, releasing the "House of Soul" 7-inch single in 2013.[1] This followed their last studio album, One More Bullet, from 2007, marking a shift toward commemorative and live outputs, including the 30th anniversary compilation The Toasters: 30th Anniversary in 2012. The band toured extensively during this period, with over 150 concerts documented in 2019 alone, spanning North America, Europe, and beyond.[17] The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations in 2020, leading to tour postponements, though the band managed 53 performances that year and adapted with reduced shows in 2021 (25 concerts).[18] Recovery was swift, with 87 shows in 2022 and 90 in 2023, reflecting resilience amid global challenges.[17] Live recordings captured this endurance, including Live at Supernova Ska Fest from their 2021 performance, released as an album in 2021, and Men in Underwear (Live at Mad Butcher) in 2023.[19] [20] By the 2020s, The Toasters had surpassed 6,000 live shows since 1981, averaging over 200 performances annually in peak years, underscoring founder Robert "Bucket" Hingley's commitment to the band's touring legacy.[21] An international lineup supported ongoing global tours, with dates announced into 2026, including U.S. stops in winter.[22] This sustained activity positions them as enduring figures in third-wave ska, prioritizing high-energy live ska over new recordings.[3]Musical Style
Core Characteristics and Influences
The Toasters' musical style centers on an energetic, guitar-driven ska sound that emphasizes offbeat skanking rhythms, punchy horn sections, and upbeat tempos designed for danceable live performances. Founded by Rob "Bucket" Hingley in New York City in 1981, the band adopted core ska elements such as syncopated guitar strumming and brass-driven melodies, but distinguished itself through a raw, aggressive edge derived from the local punk scene, resulting in faster-paced tracks that prioritize intensity over traditional laid-back grooves.[5][6] This fusion created a "lean, mean ska machine" aesthetic, influencing subsequent American bands by prioritizing high-energy execution over stylistic purity.[3] Influences on The Toasters include the British 2 Tone ska movement of the late 1970s, which Hingley encountered before forming the band, providing foundational templates of ska-punk hybridity seen in groups like The Specials and The Beat. Hingley's prior experience in 1970s punk rock and reggae bands in England further shaped their approach, infusing ska with punk's confrontational attitude and reggae's bass-heavy foundations, while adapting these to an American context through urban edge and thematic irreverence.[23][5] Over time, the band expanded this base by incorporating dub echo effects, soulful vocal harmonies, jazz-inflected horns, and occasional calypso or Latin rhythms, as evident in albums like Thrill Me Up (1988), which stretched ska into broader eclectic territory without diluting its rhythmic core.[8][24] These evolutions reflect Hingley's role as an innovator who reshaped ska for U.S. audiences by blending global roots with punk aggression, establishing The Toasters as pioneers of third-wave ska's more hybridized form.[2]Discography
Studio Albums
The Toasters have released nine studio albums, primarily characterized by their blend of third-wave ska with punk and reggae influences, often issued through independent labels specializing in ska music.[25][26]| Album Title | Release Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Skaboom | 1987 | Celluloid |
| Thrill Me Up | 1988 | Skaloid |
| This Gun for Hire | 1990 | Skaloid |
| New York Fever | 1992 | Moon Ska |
| Dub 56 | 1994 | Moon Ska |
| Hard Band for Dead | 1996 | Moon Ska |
| Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down | 1997 | Moon Ska |
| Enemy of the System | 2002 | Moon Ska |
| One More Bullet | 2009 | Independent |
Live Albums
The Toasters have released several live albums that capture their high-energy performances, emphasizing the band's role in energizing audiences through ska-punk fusion and traditional ska elements during tours. These recordings highlight the group's longevity and appeal in live settings, often featuring extended sets of core tracks from their studio catalog.[10] The band's earliest live release, Frankenska, appeared in 1990 on Unicorn Records, including live renditions of popular songs such as "One Track Mind," which became a stage staple.[28] This album preceded their U.S. breakthrough and showcased the raw enthusiasm of early shows.[25] In 1994, Live! In L.A. was issued as a limited CD edition by Moon Ska Records, documenting a performance with tracks like "Weekend in L.A." and reflecting the band's growing West Coast presence amid the third-wave ska surge.[25] The official discography acknowledges Live in LA among key live efforts, underscoring its significance in their touring history.[10] Live in London followed in 1998, preserving a set from the UK that aligned with the band's international touring commitments during the late 1990s lineup shifts.[29] Additional live documents include Live in Brasil, listed on the band's site without a specified year, capturing South American engagements.[10] More recently, Live At Supernova Ska Fest emerged in 2021, recording a festival appearance that demonstrated the band's enduring draw in ska events.[30] In 2023, MEN IN UNDERWEAR (Live at Mad Butcher) was released, featuring live material from a specific venue show, available via streaming.[30] These later releases affirm The Toasters' consistent live output into the 2020s.[31]EPs and Singles
The Toasters' early output included the single "Beat Up" backed with "Brixton Beat", released in 1984 on Moon Ska Records as one of the band's initial forays into recording.[32] Their debut EP, Recriminations, followed in 1985 on Moon Records (reissued in 1988 by Moon Ska and Unicorn Records), containing four tracks: "Recriminations", "Razor Cut", "Run Rudy Run", and "Decision at Midnight".[33][34][35] Subsequent singles were sporadic amid their album releases. "Don't Say Forever" appeared as a standalone single in 1990 via Pork Pie Records. In 1995, Moon Ska issued the double A-side "Chuck Berry" / "Maxwell Smart". In recent years, the band has revived single and EP formats digitally. The 2021 EP Skandal, Vol. 2 comprises multiple tracks emphasizing their ska-punk style, while singles "Jacka, Jacka, wo?" and "You're Gonna Pay" were also released that year, available on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.[36]| Title | Type | Year | Label | Key Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beat Up / Brixton Beat | Single | 1984 | Moon Ska | Beat Up, Brixton Beat[32] |
| Recriminations | EP | 1985 | Moon Records | Recriminations, Razor Cut, Run Rudy Run, Decision at Midnight[33][34] |
| Don't Say Forever | Single | 1990 | Pork Pie | Don't Say Forever |
| Chuck Berry / Maxwell Smart | Single | 1995 | Moon Ska | Chuck Berry, Maxwell Smart |
| Skandal, Vol. 2 | EP | 2021 | Independent (digital) | (Various ska tracks)[36] |
| Jacka, Jacka, wo? | Single | 2021 | Independent (digital) | Jacka, Jacka, wo?[36] |
| You're Gonna Pay | Single | 2021 | Independent (digital) | You're Gonna Pay[36] |
Compilations and Other Releases
In Retrospect: The Best of the Toasters, released in 2003 by Megalith Records and Stomp Records, is a 21-track compilation spanning the band's career up to that point, including hits like "East Side Beat," "Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down," and "Thrill Me Up."[37][38] It serves as a comprehensive overview of their ska sound, drawing from studio albums such as Skaboom! and Thrill Me Up.[8] Rare As Toast, issued in 2003, collects 10 tracks of previously unreleased or rare material, including remixes and non-album cuts originally appearing on various ska compilations.[28][8] Featured songs encompass "2-Tone Army" and other obscurities recorded under different band configurations, highlighting outtakes from the band's early New York sessions.[39] History Book 1987-1996, a 1996 compilation on Grover Records, assembles 19 tracks from the band's initial decade, sourcing material from albums like Skaboom!, Recriminations, New York Fever, and Dub 56.[40] It includes staples such as "2-Tone Army," "East Side Beat," and "Ska Killers," providing a chronological snapshot of their evolution in the third-wave ska scene.[41] An expanded edition, History Book 1987-1998, followed in 1998, extending coverage to later releases.[42] Earlier efforts include T-Time (1990), a compilation aggregating tracks from pre-Skaboom! EPs and singles like "This Gun for Hire," featuring songs such as "Worry" and "Havana."[43][8] Ska Killers (1995), released by Moon Ska Europe, combines material from Thrill Me Up and other mid-1990s recordings, emphasizing high-energy tracks like "Ska Killers" and "Go Girl."[44][8] These releases, often on independent labels, reflect the band's strategy to repackage catalog material amid lineup changes and shifting ska popularity.[10]Band Members
Current Members
The current lineup of The Toasters, as maintained by founder Robert "Bucket" Hingley since the band's inception in 1981, features a core group of seven musicians for live performances and recordings.[1] Hingley serves as lead vocalist and guitarist, providing the band's signature songwriting and frontman presence.[1]- Tim Karns (bass): Handles the rhythmic foundation, contributing to the band's upbeat ska grooves.[1]
- Gilbert Covarrubias (trombone): Delivers prominent brass lines integral to the ska sound.[1]
- Dave Barry (keyboards): Adds organ and keyboard textures reminiscent of traditional ska and reggae influences.[1]
- Adam Birch (trombone/trumpet): Provides versatile horn sections, enhancing the band's energetic horn-driven arrangements.[1]
- Nathan Koch (saxophone): Supplies saxophone riffs that define the Toasters' third-wave ska style.[3]
- Art Zamora (drums): Drives the offbeat rhythms essential to ska percussion.[1]