The Kings of the LBC Reclaim Their Throne—And You’re Invited to the Party
Song of the Day: “Figueroa” by Sublime
Sublime’s Until The Sun Explodes lands with the sonic equivalent of a 90s era beach party that was frozen in time and then re-animated mid-rager! It is a record that manages to be both a nostalgic lap around the block while also a breath of fresh air; sowing the seeds for what this band was always meant to become.
When Bradley Nowell passed away in 1996, the band’s story was abruptly silenced at its peak. For fans of Sublime, the presence of Jakob Nowell on the mic 30 years later is more than just a personnel change—it is a rare, full-circle moment in rock history. After decades of varying iterations and the eventual dissolution of the Sublime with Rome project, Jakob’s arrival in 2023 alongside founding members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh finally provided the “blood-tie” legitimacy that many purists felt was missing from the band’s post-Bradley era. By stepping into his father’s role, Jakob has effectively acted as a bridge between the generations of fans.
When you weigh this against the rest of their discography, the state of the band is clear. Eric and Bud are now elder statesmen of the Long Beach music scene and the rock-solid musical foundation on the record reflects that. But Jakob is only a couple of years older than his dad was when he died. That youthful energy presents this new record as if it was a legit continuation of the band in its heyday, and they haven’t sacrificed that signature refusal to pick a lane stylistically. It feels familiar to anyone who grew up with their sound, but there’s enough maturity here to feel like it’s a significant move forward.
There are a lot of options for today’s Song of the Day on a 22-track record, but I like “Figueroa” because it lets Jakob’s personality shine. While the rest of the album flirts with various moods, this track locks into a pocket so deep you’ll need a rescue crew to help you find your way out (especially if you’ve been enjoying some “herbal supplements”). There is a specific, sun-baked urgency in the arrangement that feels like the truest heir to the band’s aesthetic—it’s punchy, effortlessly cool, and carries the kind of laid-back confidence that can only be earned by living the life. It captures the essence of the band’s lineage while proving that the new iteration is more than capable of carving out its own territory.
The Song
Spotify:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/song/figueroa/1886811320
The Album
Spotify:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/until-the-sun-explodes/1886810990
The Band
Be sure to check out the Audio Toxicity 2026 Bad Music Detox Protocol (AKA a playlist of songs covered so far…)