The three following bands were immediately top of the list when the line-ups for the 2024 and 2025 editions were announced. The lovely nostalgia of youth where we shared our favourites. We either made carefully curated mix-cds or sent them as true pirates through ICQ or MSN. That’s how I got to know most of my music in those days.
These three bands, ska royalty if I have anything to say about it, were probably my first introduction into the genre, and have continued to be some of my favourite artists. So without further ado, let’s dive into it!
MAD CADDIES (2024)
First up, Mad Caddies, a lively ensemble from sunny California. I AM READY FOR A DANCE PARTY. And from the get-go, there is no way anyone in their right mind can stand still hearing their catchy mix of Ska, Reggae, and whatever other kind of music they stir into the mix.
The press of the crowd pushes me every which way, but even if you’re able to fall, the crowd will pick you up again. And what’s a few bruises more or less, I barely even notice them anymore. My only complaint about this is that I could have used a little more room to show off my flailing dance moves, but that thought is soon drowned out by the entrancing quality of the pure and unbridled enjoyment of the moving masses.
Mad Caddies may be Dad Caddies after 30 years on the scene, but they haven’t lost a bit of that funky spark. After playing so many of my favourites, the set ends too soon, as it always does when you’re having this much fun. No breaks, no brakes! This edition of Brakrock is proving to be intense!
LESS THAN JAKE (2024)
Okay, if I absolutely HAD to pick a ska favourite for Brakrock it is definitely Less Than Jake, authors of one of my most beloved personal theme songs: The Science of Selling Yourself short. A side note to this is that I was going to miss them this year BUT I decided to ditch Alcatraz in favour of my precious Brakrock. I couldn’t bear the thought of missing even one minute.
Especially because not attending on Friday would not only mean missing these badasses, but also Gogol Bordello, which will most DEFINITELY be a HUGE party. (And who also wrote one of my theme songs which was a huge part of my rebirth, ‘Start Wearing Purple’.) I know I could have caught the last ones at Lokerse Feesten, but I feel like some of their magic would be lost in the crowd which is too big for my tastes. (Not to mention, their sound is never as on point as Brakrock’s is.) Their performance at De Roma in 2023 was LEGENDARY, as you can discover in my rave review here, which constitutes part two in a three part series.
Anywhoooo, back to the band at hand! They synchronicitously start their set with ‘Johnny Quest Thinks We’re Sellouts’, the first song I ever heard of them. The teenager in me is partying and my older bones will have to suffer the consequences tomorrow. I jot down that there probably won’t be many notes taken after this since I am too much in the moment. I do note my absolute glee at their playing ‘All My Best Friends Are Metalheads’ and ‘Look What Happened’. After finally hearing ‘The Science…’ after all those years, all I could write was LIFE MADE.
If the crowd was already in mayhem mode during Mad Caddies, it goes in hyperdrive for Less Than Jake. I have probably seen them from every side, since there is no way to keep a same or even similar spot in front of the stage. The rowdy masses are incoming on all sides at the same time, it feels amazing, like a warm punk rock pit hug. And this could possibly be the show with the most crowdsurfers I’ve seen at the same time. (as per the notes: SO MANY BUTTS IN MY FACE) It is heartwarming to see how many of them are kids. The future of Punk is assured! ❤
Afterwards, my broken body is happily refreshed with a little drizzle. I might need a month to recover from this show alone, but it was worth EVERY. DAMN. SECOND. Live while I’m alive and sleep when I am dead! But really, Less Than Jake was my absolute highlight of the 2024 edition. And a shared first spot with Toy Dolls over all the times I got to experience this beautiful festival. Oh, and I will always be able to relive this special moment because I snagged their setlist. SCORE!
Catch them this year on the Woodstage on Friday the 7th!
MILLENCOLLIN (2025)
This was top of the bill on my Brakrock 2025 checklist. Another one of those bands that have wormed their way into my subconscious during my teenage years and they are so dug in, it would take a LOT to get them out. I got there a little too late to get fully up front, but I will worm (or dance) my way there in the end. I manage to write down that my face hurts from smiling so damn much and my voice is nearly gone from screaming giddily along.
The rest of my notes are nearly illegible except for FOX (again, the first song of theirs I’ve ever heard) and OW, MAH BOOBS, a testament to the audience dancing as one sentient being. So. Much. Love.
I decide to go for my second ever crowdsurf (and almost took out one of my new front stage security friends. Hi Bakkie!) but it was absolutely LIBERATING and counts as my number one highlight of the 2025 edition.Sadly, my need to crowdsurf was a little ill timed and I need to sit the following song ‘Close But No Cigar’out from the sidelines, but that in itself is perfect comedic timing.
Brakrock – Kasteel ter Elst – Duffel – August 3rd 2024 & 8th 2026
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