If you’re a ska nerd deep in the community, like myself, you’re probably familiar with the longstanding debate: is Streetlight Manifesto a ska band? That conversation may wage on forever, but what everyone can agree on is the amount of raw talent this band has.
The band got its start in 2002 in New Brunswick, NJ, picking up from the ashes of the ska punk band, Catch 22.
After leaving Catch 22 to focus on his education, former lead singer and guitarist Tomas Kalnoky put together a new band under the name Streetlight Manifesto along with former Catch bandmates, Josh Ansley and Jamie Egan.
The band would put out the highly popular debut, “Everything Goes Numb” in 2003, and in 2007, they released the critically acclaimed, “Somewhere in the Between.”
Anaheim, California
July 24th, 2025
While their earlier records focused more on a ska punk sound, similar to what Catch 22 had released (even re-recording Catch 22’s debut album, “Keasbey Nights”), “Somewhere in the Between” evolved into the sound that’s closer to what Streetlight would eventually become.
The album encompasses jazz, world music, and what Kalnoky referenced as “eastern European and gypsy sounds.” Over the years, they have gained a large and loyal fanbase thanks to five studio albums and a reputation for an incredible live show.
While still touring every year and playing festivals, the band had remained mostly quiet on new music – their last release was 2013’s “The Hands That Thieve.”
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Part of the reason for the band’s inactivity for new material is Kalnoky’s nonstop side projects, including his solo work under Toh Kay and Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution.
Last year fans were hopeful as the band had finally announced they were close to completing their next album. Things took another setback as Kalnoky announced last December that the album was going to be pushed back until 2025.
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So, fans rejoiced last week when the band announced a date and title for their sixth album. “The Place Behind the Stars” will finally be released on June 24th and the band will celebrate the only way they know how – with a full tour to promote.
The band’s tour will kick off in the UK in May and will take them throughout the end of the year, culminating at Roadrunner in Boston.
Somewhere in the between (see what I did there?) the band will find time to make a stop at the House of Blues in Anaheim on July 24th.
