Montreal’s The Planet Smashers eighth full length continues with the same fun loving, punked up ska formula found on their previous releases. Now, a lot of the time I would criticize this lack of music evolution in a band, especially after eight albums, but to be fair these guys had a six year hiatus before releasing their previous record, 2011’s Descent into the Valley of the Planet Smashers. Not only that, but if the Planet Smashers tried to steer their sound in a more negative or disturbing direction, they would sound hollow. They make positive, fun and enjoyable music, and they do it damn well. One of the slower cuts on the album, “Heart like a Lion,” manages to create such an uplifting vibe it feels like you are receiving a hug from the Dali Lama. The general pace of the album is a smidgen slower than some of their previous material, probably due to the increased maturity in both songwriting and lyrical themes. Not too mature though (see: “You Guys are Assholes, Let’s Party”). The album stays fresh with catchy cuts like “Tear It Up’ and “D-Don’t,” so quit reading and get skanking! (Stomp Records, StompRecords.com) Scott Wolfe