Once again, The Planet Smashers have managed to find time away from their busy family lives to record yet another great album. Although singer/guitarist Matt Collyer and bassist Dave Cooper are the only original members, the new lineup is probably the most powerful incarnation of this Montreal-based party-ska ensemble.

Mixed Messages kicks off with the energetic “Never Die Old,” a song about rockers growing up and was most likely written during a midlife crisis. Continuing on, “Dark Personality” sends shivers down the spine with its ominous brass line and haunting organ. But the mood quickly switches with the next track, “You Guys Are Assholes, Let’s Party,” a fast number that’ll have you jumping up and down, spilling your beer on unsuspecting bystanders.

Mixed Messages has catchy tunes that will plant themselves in your head for days on end. Not bad for a band that’s been kicking around dust for 20 years.

(Union Label Group, 1223 Blvd. Saint-Laurent Suite 305, Montreal, QC H2X 2S6 Canada)