Review: Mustard Plug – “Where Did All of My Friends Go?”

Bad Time Records – 8 Sep 2023

A bright yellow polished call back to earlier Mustard Plug.

If you are reading this, I probably don’t have to tell you about this integral group to come out the third wave of ska. If you are by chance, not familiar with this act that has put out seven albums of ska punk classics over the last thirty plus years, then you are in for a treat. Writing for this album started before the pandemic hit, and Mustard Plug actually had 17 songs penned before they could even be in the same room as each other. The pandemic gave them extra time to work on new songs remotely online and it shows in the final product. Reuniting with the legend Bill Stevenson, who’s been like a mentor to them as with so many others, really helped cut the mustard on this new LP.

The record starts right off with the title track to the album “Where Did All of My Friends Go”. The punchy and tight horn section is showcased in full effect, with lyrics about the struggles of getting older, makes this a fun and classic start. The second track definitely does not suck, but takes a bite right into fun and zany lyrics about the lovable monsters known as vampires. Titled “Vampire,” it goes on to explain how the devious undead can trick you into letting them in your house.

“Fall Apart” was released as one of the first singles from the album and for good reason, captureing the energy and enjoyment Mustard Plug is known for. Full of powerful punchy horns, fun lyrics, snappy upstrokes, and everything you come to expect from a band with this much history in the ska punk realm.

As the album continues a few tracks have a little less catchy ska feel and take on a more melodic skate punk vibe. As Jim Hofer (trombone) said in our Roll of the Dice interview “there’s a bit less spontaneity and a bit more polish”.

Jim did pick up a melodica for the first time in his life for the song “Why Does it Have to be so Hard” and it cultivated into one of my favorite tracks on the album. The breakdown is very unique and really shows the creative juices (or mustards) are still strong.

If you like to skank a little more aggressive “Distraction” picks up the pace and I’m not talking about picante sauce, but this mustard has some spice. The record caps off with “Now Or Never” a slower jazzy number to finish things off.

 “Where Did All of My Friends Go?” is a more polished call back to earlier Mustard Plug. Dave’s signature vocals are still instantly recognizable, with more added backing vocals and some extras thrown in give the tracks that extra polish. If you are a fan of their first five albums you may find this one to be a return to that sound with a little more refined feel. The songs may be a little less catchy, but the fun is still there mixed in with some new flavors and spice, Mustard Plug managed to squeeze out one of their best albums since the ‘90’s.