The Expendables featuring Stick Figure

Blending the alternately rowdy and sublime elements of the punk-meets-reggae sorts of subgenres, the Expendables certainly own their little niche. While a lot of their albums are great (Gettin’ Filthy probably most readily distills the band’s essence), it’s their acoustic album that seems to be the Expendables’ most enticing listen. Really, the laid-back approach of Gone Soft underscores the band’s Santa Cruz roots in ways that heavier punk tunes just don’t. To that end, what the Expendables do well is cover a lot of territory in just a few songs. Take a cross-section of any album for an example of that. Their live shows mirror that sense of variety too, giving audiences a chance to a) dance their asses off b) bob their heads in time with the two-four beats of a reggae send-up and c) throw down in whatever impromptu mosh pit might form at the foot of the stage. Go forth and rock! (Sandy)