The Slackers Unveil Political Five-Song EP Money Is King via Pirates Press

The Slackers have returned with Money Is King, a five-song EP issued by Pirates Press Records that brings the band's trademark ska and roots reggae into pointed political territory. Released on January 17, 2026, the record is the band's first batch of new studio recordings since 2022's Don't Let The Sunlight Fool Ya and foregrounds themes of money, power, hope, and resilience across a tight, focused set.

The title track is an arrangement of the Calypso classic by Neville Marcano, known as Growling Tiger, reworked through The Slackers' skank-forward lens. The remaining four tracks are original compositions written individually by different band members: "The Whole World Was In On It," "Hold On," "Try to Break Me Down," and "No One Likes The Truth." That collaborative approach underlines the band's long-running cohesion and keeps the songwriting voices distinct while serving a unified political thrust.

Recording took place at Shillelagh Studios in New Jersey, with mixing handled in São Paulo by Victor Rice and mastering by Fernando Sanches. That international production chain gives the EP a polished, global-riddim sheen while preserving the band’s rawness and live energy. The release is available on 12" colored vinyl editions with printed B-side artwork, as well as on streaming services and Bandcamp; Pirates Press is the place to look for physical copies.

For selectors, sound systems, and fans who follow lyric-driven roots, Money Is King delivers practical value: its concise five-song format is easy to slot into sets, and the lyrics give new material for playlists and live skank sessions that want to address current political and economic anxieties. The mix of a Calypso standard and fresh originals ties Caribbean musical history to modern concerns, reinforcing reggae’s role as commentary and consolation in equal measure.

The Slackers’ approach here will matter to the community because it keeps politically engaged songwriting front and center while offering collectors and casual listeners options for both vinyl and digital purchase. Expect these songs to appear in upcoming gigs and to circulate among DJs who favor politically minded cuts. With this release, The Slackers reaffirm their place in the ongoing conversation between bassline and message, and leave listeners with a compact, potent statement about money, power, and perseverance.