Squad Five-O

    Squad Five-O

    Savannah, Georgia14 reviews across 5 releases

    arena rockgarage rockpunkska punk
    DiscogsBandcamp

    Squad Five-O is a rock band from Savannah, Georgia, formed by twin brothers Jeff and John Fortson during their high-school years. Its early records placed hard-edged punk against hornless third-wave ska: What I Believe moved from chunky ska rhythms into blistering punk, while the second record tightened that skacore approach with reggae phrasing and gang-vocal hooks. The writing was unusually willing to be playful and direct; "California" turned a story into a song, while the band could move from worship language to jokes without abandoning its attack. In 2000, Bombs Over Broadway made a sharp turn toward glam rock, with slower tempos and theatrical guitar riffs. The self-titled Squad Five-O then brought the punk energy back into a more natural rock-and-roll setting, adding bluesy southern color and prominent lead guitar.

    After Fight The System, drummer Jason Anderson left, and Justin Garbinski took his place; Adam Garbinski also joined on guitar as the group moved toward a larger rock sound. A publishing dispute with Bulletproof Music preceded the move to Tooth & Nail, which issued Bombs Over Broadway in 2000. The album's glam turn divided listeners, but the self-titled follow-up came closer to the force of the live show. In 2003, Tooth & Nail sold the band's contract to Capitol Records. Capitol gave the group a month in a practice space to write, leading to Late News Breaking in 2004, its attempt to combine the earlier reggae influence with the newer rock attack. Regular recording and touring had ended by 2006. John Fortson and Adam Garbinski later formed Gasoline Heart, while Squad Five-O reunited for festival appearances in 2012 and 2018 and has continued to play occasional shows.

    5 releases reviewed