*Los Angeles quartet The Calamatix share their latest single “Boom Bap” ahead of their debut record ‘The Calamatix,’ out September 20th via Hellcat Records. Demonstrating their mastery of multiple styles, the band transitions seamlessly from the rocksteady ska-punk of their lead track “Love, Lies & Alibis” to the smooth grooves of R&B and soul in this understated yet captivating jam.

The single “Boom Bap” is a testament to The Calamatix’s versatility, showing off their ability to weave together different genres into a cohesive sound. With biting lyrics delivered through the sultry vocals of frontwoman Raylin Joy, the song addresses the importance of confronting life’s challenges head-on. “The ego can be a scary thing to handle, but it has to be done if you want to grow as a person,” Joy explains. “Staying focused on the bigger picture is the key; distractions are the enemy when you’ve got shit to do.”

The creation of “Boom Bap” began as a simple beat from drummer Clarence “Pocket” Kidd III. Using his drum machine, he crafted a rhythmic “boom bap” swing that quickly became the foundation of the track. After sending the beat to his bandmates, they all “caught a vibe and sprinkled their flavor onto the template,” Kidd recalls. The track was then passed to guitarist Adam Porris, who fleshed out the guitar part in one take. “I immediately connected with the drum beat Clarence sent me and let my guitar do the talking. Raylin’s lyrics made me want to funk up the bridge with some Prince-style guitar, and when I heard her sing the breakdown, I knew we had something special.”

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The band’s upcoming debut album, The Calamatix, is a project that originated from a songwriting collaboration between Raylin Joy and punk legend Tim Armstrong (Operation Ivy, Rancid). Their creative chemistry, however, was marked by a deep sense of melancholy as Joy navigated through personal struggles. “When this record first came into existence years ago, I was going through one of the hardest periods of my life,” Joy shares. “I was really struggling with depression and didn’t have a lot to live for at the time. I’d go into the studio, and writing a song would put me on the biggest high. For a long time, this record was one of the main things keeping me going.”

Recorded over two or three days in a whirlwind of sessions, the album captures the palpable chemistry between the band members. The studio, under the guidance of Armstrong, became a sanctuary where each musician could channel their emotions into something tangible. This environment allowed The Calamatix to funnel their darkness and depression into music that is bright, uplifting, and unfiltered. “When Ray and I started writing together, we weren’t sure what it would be for,” Armstrong recalls. “I quickly recognized how easy it was for us to construct songs together, so it was a super fun process. She’s an incredibly talented storyteller, and the way she connects and communicates is amazing.”

The result of this collaboration is an album that is both fun and fiery, with a sound that combines the brashness of punk with the slinky, uptempo rhythms of Jamaican ska. The Calamatix’s ability to master various styles is on full display, from the bittersweet rocksteady of “Rootstyle” to the groovy, understated jam “Boom Bap.” The addition of a tight horn section only elevates their sound, shooting the band’s music into the stratosphere. The arrangements are rich and tastefully fleshed out, always maintaining the heart of Joy’s lyrics.

In essence, The Calamatix is a powerful testament to the band’s ability to create something beautiful out of adversity. Much like a lotus flower that grows out of muddy waters to blossom, The Calamatix have crafted an album that stands tall and unblemished, a beacon of hope born from less-than-ideal circumstances.