Artist: The Gosh Darnits
Song: “Cassafrass”
Album: Big Britches and Chipwiches
Genre: Ska, Ska-Punk
Those of us who grew up in the 90’s are used to our ska bands being troops of seven or more people onstage; usually the typical four person rock set-up, then with a minimum three-piece horn section. These large and gloriously unruly bands are a wonder to see, but likely not the most sustainable set-ups in today’s music economy.
In comes The Gosh Darnits, a DIY duo who manage to cook up wonderfully bouncy, hook-laden ska tracks in their home studio. Songs like the addictive single “Cassafrass” have everything you’re looking for in a ska song – mid-tempo upswing guitars, horn-filled harmonies, sugary vocals and skankin’ rhythms. And it’s all coming from two people!
While the band may not be able to replicate a song this good in a live setting on their own, on record it’s a joyous marvel to listen to. Give these guys a round of applause and stream the song in our Check This 2026 Playlist.
