Orange County ska-pop band Half Past Two has released a deluxe edition of their album Talk Is Killing Me, adding a fresh layer to an already vibrant release. Known for blending upbeat ska with pop-punk energy, this new edition includes three studio tracks, five live versions, and special collaborations with notable artists like Catbite, We Are the Union, Omnigone, and Scott Klopfenstein of Reel Big Fish. This expanded version gives fans even more reasons to dive back into the lively, catchy world of Talk Is Killing Me, now available on all streaming platforms.
The band’s track “Running on Empty,” created with We Are the Union, even has a sci-fi-themed music video that adds a creative visual to their sound. Fans can find the standard album version on vinyl or CD through Bad Time Records. For those eager to catch them live, Half Past Two recently performed at The Fest and are touring with Voodoo Glow Skulls and Mustard Plug starting in January.
Half Past Two has been a part of the ska scene since 2006, performing alongside major acts like Reel Big Fish, The Aquabats, Less Than Jake, and The Skatalites. The band has maintained their Orange County ska roots while also evolving to connect with the genre’s “New Tone” movement, which gives ska a more modern, socially conscious twist. In fact, they first worked with Bad Time Records on the 2020 compilation Ska Against Racism, eventually leading to this partnership for Talk Is Killing Me.
Produced by Reade Wolcott of We Are the Union, the album captures the band’s knack for blending upbeat melodies with thoughtful lyrics. Talk Is Killing Me shows off their unique “bubblegum ska” sound, combining fun, danceable rhythms with more introspective themes. This balance between bright hooks and a grown-up edge makes Talk Is Killing Me a great listen for fans of ska-punk and pop-rock alike.
Half Past Two’s style is a perfect blend of infectious ska rhythms and polished pop-punk energy, capturing the joy of classic ska with a modern, edgy twist. With nearly two decades in the game, Half Past Two’s latest effort brings fresh life to the “Orange County sound,” merging their ska-punk roots with a modern twist.
January 16 @ Backstage Bar & Billiards - Las Vegas, NV *
January 17 @ Nile Theater - Mesa, AZ #
January 18 @ Garden Amp - Garden Grove, CA %
January 19 @ The Holding Company - San Diego, CA #
January 20 @ Bottom of the Hill - San Francisco, CA #
January 21 @ Goldfield Trading Post - Sacramento, CA #
January 22 @ The Dip - Redding, CA #
January 23 @ John Henry's - Eugene, OR #
January 24 @ El Corazon - Seattle, WA #
January 25 @ Dante's - Portland, OR #
* w/ Mustard Plug
# w/ Mustard Plug + Voodoo Glow Skulls
% w/ Mustard Plug, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Buck-0-Nine