The Usual Suspects

The Usual Suspects

The Usual Suspects are a Belgian ska-punk band from Leuven, active from 2001 to 2013. Their sound combines punk and ska, and their early description also includes dub and reggae influences. The members are active in the Leuven squat scene, and the band’s music draws on the different styles they listen to individually.

History

The band plays its first show in December 2001 and begins to attract requests for more performances soon afterwards. It plays gigs in Switzerland and in France, the Netherlands, the UK and across Europe, with many of its shows taking place in bars, parties and squat festivals.

Recordings

Its first album, Hasta la vista Commandante, appears in 2002 and mixes original songs with partial covers and borrowed elements from other bands. The Classwars EP is released on Filth Ear Records as a split with Belgian grindcore band Agathocles. In late 2007, the band releases Breaking Bars and Crushing Codes, which is recorded in November 2006 and presents a more developed sound, with only one cover version. This release is co-released by Maloka Records from Dijon and is also planned for vinyl.