New Jersey ska punk trio Joker’s Republic has announced their second full-length album, The Hand You’ve Been Dealt, arriving October 10 through Punkerton Records. The band once again teamed up with producer Roger Lima of Less Than Jake and Rehasher, a well-known name in the ska punk scene. Mixing and mastering was handled by Grammy-nominated engineer Eric Taft. The 12-track album blends sharp ska rhythms with fast punk tempos, exploring themes like identity, grief, politics, and mental health, all filtered through the group’s humor and energetic hooks.
The band says this is their most direct work yet. “This record is us at full throttle,” they explain. “It’s personal, it’s loud, and it’s ridiculously catchy. Plus, Roger Lima told us it slaps—so there’s that.”
Joker’s Republic built momentum after their 2023 release, Necessary Evil, which came out on Ska Punk International. That album’s success took them across the country for shows and festival appearances, including Punk Rock Saves Lives Fest and Ska Punk International Fest. Their constant touring helped grow their following and strengthen their presence in the ska punk community.
Known to fans as the “Elected Representatives of the Joker’s Republic,” the Essex County band plays ska punk without a horn section, giving their songs a tighter, guitar-driven sound. This stripped-down style allows for quick changes between ska’s upbeat grooves and punk’s raw drive, while also opening the door to other influences.
Joker’s Republic has built their name with a DIY approach, quick-witted lyrics, and high-energy live sets. Their audience—self-named the “Citizens of the Joker’s Republic”—continues to expand with every release and tour. While they reject the term “Brass Rock,” they fully embrace their ska roots, calling themselves part of “one nation under Ska.”
With The Hand You’ve Been Dealt, Joker’s Republic looks ready to deliver a fast, tight, and unapologetic album that keeps their sound firmly in the ska punk tradition while pushing into sharper territory.
The band will embark on a string of tour dates starting on 8/14, where they will support Space Monkey Mafia at Bookclub in Chicago. More dates below.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
9/12 - Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ (Supporting Save Ferris)
East Coast Tour With PWRUP and Mega Infinity (* = no PWRUP)
10/18 - Scottish Dave’s - Clinton, CT *
10/19 - The Woodshop - Brooklyn, NY
10/20 - The Nail - Ardmore, PA
10/21 - Morseberger’s - Catonsville, MD
10/22 - Milestone - Charlotte, NC
10/23 - Bogg’s - Atlanta, GA
10/25 & 26 - Gainesville, FL (FEST)
