Some albums just leave a mark—and for me, Escape from Everything by Codename Colin is one of those.
Originally released back in 2019, this one flew under my radar at the time, but after finding it recently, I knew it deserved more attention. It’s packed with energy, heart, and a level of honesty that makes it stick with you. They know how to have fun without losing the seriousness underneath it all.
The opening track, “Losing Touch”, is what first pulled me into their world. Right from the jump the horns cut through with a fresh, sassy riff that feels alive. But what really grabbed me was the lyrical weight underneath—looking back on better times, wondering about different paths, feeling the burnout of growing up, and watching friendships drift. There’s a line about wishing for an extra day off just to spend with someone you love that hit me harder than expected. Musically, it blends ska, punk, and alt-rock so naturally it never feels forced. It’s a fantastic opener that gives you a real taste of everything the album does well.
Throughout Escape from Everything, Codename Colin shows just how naturally they can shift gears without ever losing momentum. The album dives into themes like burnout, growing up, and mental health struggles, but it never feels heavy-handed. There’s a real sense of energy and resilience running through the whole record. Even when the lyrics get serious, the music stays sharp, bright, and alive, striking a balance a lot of bands aim for but few actually pull off this well.
“World’s Gonna End” is another standout. This one brings a classic skanking energy but doesn’t shy away from calling things out—human beings wrecking the planet and acting like it doesn’t matter. “We’re a plague upon ourselves, we’re at the point of no return but we don’t seem to fucking learn” cuts straight through. Even with that blunt message, the track still leans into punk and alt-rock influences just enough to keep it feeling huge without losing its ska roots.
“Turn the Tide” is a nice change of pace, leaning more into reggae-ska territory. It tackles the divisions we see in the world and the need to break free from the systems that feed them. It’s a unity song at its heart, but what really sells it is the sincerity in the vocal delivery.
Tracks like “Struck” show a lighter side of the band, with a relatable story about falling in love with a friend. It switches between chill ska grooves and slightly more upbeat sections, keeping things easygoing without feeling shallow.
“Nervous” is one of the most personal tracks for me. It feels like it was written for anyone who’s trying to turn a corner in their life—lines like “I’m starting to make a change, trying to keep my head up by putting my demons in their grave” land hard. The background harmonies, the walking bass, the bright horns—it all comes together in a way that feels uplifting without losing its grounding. This track reminds me why ska feels like home.
“Headspace” brings an instrumental break at just the right time. It’s a moment to appreciate how locked in this band is—the way the horns, bass, drums, and guitar weave together to create that infectious, danceable sound that doesn’t need lyrics to shine.
“Dream State” dives into depression and the struggle to get out of bed when it feels like everything’s closing in. The way Codename Colin blends ska and rock here feels effortless, and the emotion stays raw without feeling over the top.
“Kelly’s Missing” is another major standout. The band makes a strong statement against pay-to-play promoters, and the message couldn’t be more clear. “Fuck pay to play” comes through loud and proud, and the track carries serious attitude without losing its ska bounce. The horns hit hard, the guitars edge toward heavier punk territory, and by the end, it’s impossible not to imagine a crowd shouting along.
“Little Things” hits close to home again. It dives into the way our minds can spin out, obsessing over small things that don’t really matter but feel huge in the moment. It’s exactly the kind of track that reminds me why I fell in love with ska in the first place—talking about some of the worst feelings, but delivering it over bright horns, upbeat rhythms, and big “whoa” chants.
“Race to Calais” brings a burst of chaotic fun to the album. It captures the madness of touring and getting caught in a foreign place, trying to make the best of it. The guitar riffs, drums, and horns blast forward with a huge energy that matches the theme perfectly. There’s a nice break in the middle where the tempo eases off, like taking a breath to enjoy the beauty of the situation. It’s not my personal favorite on the album, but it’s a worthy addition that keeps the momentum rolling.
The title track, “Escape from Everything,” closes the album perfectly. It kicks in with a bouncy drum beat and clean guitars before the horns drop in with that bright, hopeful energy. As the track builds, the guitars lean more into pop-punk, with lyrics reflecting on how exhausting day-to-day life can be—and the wish to just escape from it all, even for a little while. The bridge pulls a little emo flair into the mix, setting up a big half-time finish that’s as cathartic as it is heavy, before the horns kick back in and leave you with the feeling that, somehow, everything’s going to be alright. “Whoa oh whoa!”
Final Thoughts
Listening to Escape from Everything in full and writing down my thoughts has only made me appreciate it even more. I connect with almost everything Codename Colin lays down here. This is the kind of album you reach for on a bad day, when it feels like too much. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone—and that sometimes, the right record can help you keep moving forward.
Ska Basically. 
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