In the Late fall of 2023, Joe Gittleman of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Avoid One Thing started a band with Sammy Kay. They call themselves, The Kilograms. The music they make is soulful ska that they wanted to bring to the masses. With their love of punk rock and ska, and other blends, this could be something of their very own, with total authenticity and raw lyrical content. Their song “Who Am I (To Say)” was featured on the benefit for the compilation Black Sand Relief: A Benefit for Michelle Ska the People of Maui. This song has such a profoundness and sincerity, a conglomerate fusion of super mellow melodic tones and with absolute heart, was dedicated to their friend and all those that lost in the fires.
This experience ignited admiration and inspiration, The Kilograms then announced that they have now added Michael McDermott (The Bouncing Souls, Joan Jett) and J Duckworth (Newport Secret Six) to this very interesting situation. Then, on February 9, the magic happened with the release of their very own self-titled debut EP, The Kilograms, via Asbestos Records located in Connecticut. All fans can get their story by listening to their songs.
The story is quite compelling. These artists bonded, kept in touch, and were inspired by their connection they decided to start a project in which they could be expressive and impactful. From their backgrounds of punk rock, ska, and acoustics, they laid down the music straight from the grit and raw footage of their life experiences, the good and the bad. Their songs on this EP starts out with “I Swear,” with a catchy groovy ska sound punching in that true punk rock attitude. “Can’t Be Beat” is a pure rock-n-roll ambiance that reminds me of driving down that long highway of life! The third song on this EP is “Who Am I (To Say),” probably my favorite.
The lyrics are melancholy, but also filled with moving on and letting go, which I am sure many can resonate with. “America in Black and White” has this melody with a somber tone, sending a message of how things are not what they seem. We should listen to this song; we might learn something my friends. “Dub and I” was dubbed by Agent Jay, bringing that sweet ending to a great collection of songs into effect. This project is bona fide, imaginative, edgy and tough. This music is for all those hopeless romantic punk rockers out there. These artists write from the heart, the gut, delving into the good and embracing the bad.
Just the way we like it.
The Kilograms Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter
Asbestos Records: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website
Album Art by James Walker
