These folks play a groovy and infectious blend of ska and punk with metal influences. Throw in a fair dose of comedy and general goofiness, and out pops The Sneaky Heat Missiles.
The band consists of:
- (Sir) Richard Dean Girt the Third – Vocals, Guitar, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax
- Mordecai “Immortalcai” Girt – Drums, Vocals
- Adam “Poppinoff” Popky – Tromboneorma
- Josh “the General” Mills – Trumpetwrap
- Becca “Beccalecca” Kopchak – Keys
- Ed Klein – Bass
This ep is 7 tracks long, consisting of an intro and 6 songs and clocks in around 20 minutes.
Overall Illusions of Sonic Brilliance is a really fun EP, with catchy lyrics and some ska punk beats that get your boots stompin’. I had the pleasure of seeing these guys at Steel City Ska Fest in 2023 along with Catch 22, The Pietasters, Stop the Presses, The Book Club, and Fubar. Their live set was very entertaining, with some fun crowd interaction and banter, and I feel this EP encapsulates that very well.
“Big Brain on Brad” is a little ditty about the guy who is always at the show. Unassuming at first glance, but don’t underestimate him cuz he just might blow your mind. This tune is very upbeat, the horns blend in well with the rest of the band, and there are some nice skanking guitar riffs, which makes it a good danceable song.
“Fat Wallets and Empty Hearts” is a jaunty little tune spinning the classic tale of having money, but no actual worth. Maybe that’s what you’re looking for? Beginning with a slow build of horns and drums, it quickly changes into a bouncy song. I really enjoy the cadence of the lyrics in the verses and the chorus features a nice little chant along, which I always enjoy!
“Spooky Girl” gives a slight change of pace; slowing it down a bit. Kind of a ballad in a bit of a creepy halloween-ish way. Sonically this song flows nicely from beginning to end, with smooth vocals and twangy guitar bits, and a nice horn solo.
The next track is “Poker With Joe”, which I’m sure you can guess by the title what it’s about. But wait! It’s about so much more! Not just poker, but all of the shenanigans that Rick and Joe got into on their Vegas trip. It sounds like a great time. I wish I could have been there. With a slick drum intro we get into this tune and again – it is another catchy upbeat groove. The chorus of this song gives you a nifty chant along with some whoa-oas, that always makes for great crowd participation.
“Crisp High Five” starts out with a joke, which Rick told when I saw them in Pittsburg and it was a crowd pleaser. This tune has a bit of a cow-punk feel to it, throw in the horn section, and we get a fun and goofy song.
“Go To Hell” will close us out and this is another one that will have you bobbing your head and tapping your feet. The age old tale of living your life for you because no matter what, there will always be someone that thinks you are doing it wrong.
I really enjoy listening to this album, it’s very fun, catchy, and easy to sing along to. All of the instruments and vocals blend well, and the songs were arranged nicely. These folks put on an amazing live show so I recommend you check them out if you get a chance.
Jeremiah is a simple man, a middle aged punker from Northern Michigan. He enjoys going to shows, listening to all kinds of music, skating, hanging out with friends, and blazing fatties.