Operation Ivy Members Join New Ska Collective The Family Business LTD
Tim Armstrong and Jesse Michaels of Operation Ivy have joined forces with Rat Boy and others to form a new ska collective called The Family Business LTD, set to release their debut album on Hellcat next month
The music scene is abuzz with the news that Tim Armstrong and Jesse Michaels, the two main members of the influential ska-punk band Operation Ivy, have teamed up with British musician Rat Boy and others to form a new ska collective called The Family Business LTD. This new project marks a reunion of sorts for Armstrong and Michaels, who had previously worked together on a short-lived band called Bad Optix, which released a single in 2023 before seemingly disappearing.
## Background Operation Ivy was a seminal band in the Berkeley ska-punk scene, forming in 1987 and disbanding in 1989. Their raw, energetic sound has inspired countless imitators, and fans have long been clamoring for a reunion. While that has yet to materialize, Armstrong and Michaels have been working together on various projects, including a 2022 benefit performance and a 2023 tribute to the late Specials founder Terry Hall.
## The Family Business LTD The Family Business LTD is a new ska collective that aims to revive the two-tone ska sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The group came together while working with Tim Armstrong in the studio in 2023, and features Rat Boy, Samuel Preston of the Ordinary Boys, and Antonee First Class, who currently performs with the English Beat. The band's self-titled debut album is set to be released on Hellcat next month, and features a mix of ska-punk and rap influences.
## Debut Album The debut album from The Family Business LTD features 10 tracks, including the lead single "Floor Burner", which was produced by Tim Armstrong and features his vocals and guitar work. The album was written and recorded in just two weeks, with Armstrong and Michaels contributing as "additional creative collaborators". The tracklist is as follows: | Track Number | Track Name | | --- | --- | | 01 | Floor Burner | | 02 | Shakedown | | 03 | Detonator | | 04 | Still A Jamaican | | 05 | Armageddon | | 06 | Bambi | | 07 | No Vacancy | | 08 | Transistor | | 09 | Dead Boy | | 10 | A.S.B.O |
The Family Business LTD's debut album is set to be released on September 25th on Hellcat, and is sure to generate excitement among fans of ska-punk and two-tone music. With the involvement of Tim Armstrong and Jesse Michaels, this new project is a must-listen for anyone who has been following their careers.
