5. [spunge]

Another UK act, [spunge] turned down almost definite mainstream success to keep their integrity and control over their music, which is truly admirable in today’s climate. Although best known for their less serious songs like ‘Kicking Pigeons’, underneath it is some perfect ska musicianship, particularly on ‘The Skanking Song’.

4. Streetlight Manifesto

Whilst it’s true that Streetlight Manifesto’s best album is a re-recording of Keasbey Nights by Catch 22, they are still one of the most exciting bands in the genre. When Catch 22 ended, Tomas Kalnoky started Streetlight Manifesto, re-recording his previous band’s iconic record. However, they’ve gone beyond that with some great original material which places them as one of ska’s best acts.

3. Less Than Jake

Less Than Jake are probably one of the bands most people thought of with this topic. It’s a bit predictable, but they’re well known for a reason: they’re really good at what they do. Although 2006’s In With The Out Crowd was a bit of a departure, it still had some great tracks. They returned to form with GNV FLA, which is a phenomenal punk-ska record. They recently released TV/EP, featuring covers of TV themes and adverts, but we’re eagerly waiting for some proper new material.

2. Mad Caddies

With the release of Consensual Selections, Mad Caddies have cemented their place as a vital part of the third wave scene. It’s quite an achievement, considering none of the members particularly like the ska genre. You wouldn’t guess, though, with their nice blend of reggae and punk-ska. They throw in a bit of everything, including sea-shanties and polka music to make an identifiable sound.

1. Reel Big Fish

Pretty much the face of the third wave, Reel Big Fish are still going strong after nearly two decades. They’re one of the most exciting live bands across any genre, and have a don’t-care attitude that befit’s the ska genre. A new album’s expected for later this year, although it’s the classics people will be turning up to shows for. Any band that can open their gig with their biggest hit (‘Sell Out’) and still keep the fans up for the next hour and a half deserves credit.

By Alistair McGeorge