Australia’s favourite off-beat exponents, Melbourne Ska Orchestra have released the second single from their as-yet unannounced new album, The Ballad of Monte Loco.
Walls of Jericho follows on from the previously released John Wayne, a fast-paced track which follows in the same vein of marrying reggae and ska beats with the classic sounds of the Ennio Morricone mid 60’s western movies.
Skankingly good times are sure to abound with the band having also announced ‘The Ballad of Monte Loco’ tour, which will see them kicking off the Australian leg at Liberty Hall in Sydney on August 1, then moving through Canberra, Geelong, Castlemaine, Hobart, Adelaide, Fremantle, Brisbane and Gold Coast, before fittingly finishing up with a home town show at 170 Russell in Melbourne on October 3.
The announcement also includes a mammoth global tour set to span across Japan and Canada across July 2025.
A track bustling with undulating reggae rhythms, hazy undertones and brassy grit, Walls of Jericho instantly draws to mind those classic Spaghetti Western films, channelling the widescreen Western vibes along with some other key stylistic nods, internally and externally, for good measure. “Burning Spear and Toots and the Maytals always whisper in our ears when we’re deep in that rootsy zone. And a touch of the MSO magico…” the band shares of their latest single.
Amongst the jubilant melodics and sparkling delivery, Walls of Jericho also delivers a powerful message, drawn from historic tales that still permeate today, albeit with an uplifting conclusion, as the band explain, “Walls of Jericho is a reflection on the futility of war and how history often repeats itself when we fail to learn. It questions how easily people are led into conflict, often by those with something to gain. The story draws from ancient symbolism—the biblical tale of Jericho—and uses that as a metaphor for breaking down oppressive systems. Despite its heavy themes, the tune ends with an uplifting singalong chorus—because we always want to shine a light on hope, unity and the strength of people when they stand together.”
Produced by Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s enigmatic leader Nicky Bomba, along with MSO’s studio crew, Walls of Jericho brings a fresh lens to the Melbourne Ska Orchestra sound, with the single offering a second glance into the band’s unannounced new album, fresh on the heels of their 2024 single John Wayne.
“We’re thrilled to share that Walls of Jericho is the second taste of our forthcoming album, and yes, John Wayne is riding with us on this journey!” the band share. “This record takes a wider lens on our musical journey—dipping into cinematic reggae, big-band storytelling, and soulful protest vibes. Expect a melting pot of deep grooves, lush horn lines, and a global soundscape that keeps one foot on the dancefloor and the other in the clouds.”
Tickets for all shows are available via the band’s website, or clicking the link here.
Feature Image: David McArthur
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