It’s amazing how quickly the first quarter of 2026 has flown by. However, during those weeks, we’ve been sent an absolute avalanche of new music. Although, naturally, there hasn’t been time to review all of it, we’ve covered a lot of ground already this year.
Between forming in 2022 and releasing their debut in 2026, New Hamsphire’s The Selectmen had doubled the size of their line-up, but on the basis of the material that forms the ‘POP! RIP…’ EP, it was definitely the right move. On these five songs, none of the eight members are in any way surplus; the band’s extended membership really breathes life into a blend of ska and soul in a way that sounds invigorating, despite the influences being somewhat obvious. Not that great ska needs to break new ground, of course. It’s about rousing an audience, and that’s something The Selectmen do particularly well.