MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA NEW SINGLE – WALLS OF JERICHO

Hey PopRockers! Get ready for an epic ska adventure. Melbourne Ska Orchestra is shaking things up with a brand-new single and a huge global tour!

Melbourne Ska Orchestra Unveils Walls of Jericho

The explosive, ARIA Award-winning Melbourne Ska Orchestra is back with a cinematic new track, Walls of Jericho. But that’s not all—they’ve just announced a massive tour spanning Australia, Japan, and Canada from July to October 2025. This powerhouse ska collective is gearing up for another unforgettable year, blending infectious energy with deep musical storytelling.

A Glimpse into the Upcoming Album

Melbourne Ska Orchestra is known for their bold and boundary-pushing sound. Walls of Jericho is the second taste of their yet-to-be-announced album, following their 2024 hit John Wayne. This new single is bursting with brassy grit, reggae grooves, and cinematic flair, calling to mind classic Spaghetti Westerns.

Drawing inspiration from legendary composer Ennio Morricone, as well as reggae pioneers Burning Spear and Toots and the Maytals, Melbourne Ska Orchestra has crafted a tune that is as rich in storytelling as it is in rhythm. The song whisks listeners into a widescreen musical landscape, blending deep, undulating bass with shimmering brass and evocative melodies.

Australian Tour Dates

Ska fans, get ready! Melbourne Ska Orchestra is taking their Ballad of Monte Loco tour across Australia, kicking off at Liberty Hall in Sydney on August 1. From there, they’ll hit Canberra, Geelong, Castlemaine, Hobart, Adelaide, Fremantle, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. The grand finale will be in Melbourne on October 3 at the legendary 170 Russell—right in their hometown.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on April 4 at www.melbourneskaorchestra.com.

The Story Behind Walls of Jericho

Hey PopRocker, Melbourne Ska Orchestra isn’t just serving up another catchy tune—they’re delivering a powerful message.

At its core, Walls of Jericho reflects on the futility of war and the repeated patterns of history when lessons go unlearned. Inspired by ancient symbolism, the song uses the biblical tale of Jericho as a metaphor for overcoming oppressive systems. The band highlights how people are often led into conflict by those who stand to gain from it.

Despite its serious themes, the song doesn’t dwell in darkness—it ends with an uplifting, unifying chorus that calls for hope, unity, and strength. As Melbourne Ska Orchestra puts it, “We always want to shine a light on the power of people when they stand together.”

Produced by Nicky Bomba

No one understands Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s signature sound like Nicky Bomba, the group’s enigmatic leader. Along with MSO’s talented studio crew, Bomba has produced Walls of Jericho with a fresh perspective that elevates their iconic style.

This track is more than just another ska anthem—it offers a glimpse into the band’s upcoming album. Following John Wayne, Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s new record will explore cinematic reggae, big-band storytelling, and soulful protest vibes. The band promises a melting pot of deep grooves, lush horn lines, and a global soundscape that keeps one foot on the dancefloor and the other in the clouds.

Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s Legacy

Since forming in the early 2000s, Melbourne Ska Orchestra has been a force to be reckoned with. Led by Nicky Bomba—who also boasts a history with John Butler Trio, Bomba, and Bustamento—the orchestra brings together some of Australia’s finest musicians.

With up to 26 members, the band’s debut self-titled album in 2013 secured their first ARIA nomination, kicking off a stellar career. Their 2016 album Sierra Kilo Alpha and 2019 compilation One Year of Ska both won Best World Music Album. The latter project was especially ambitious, with MSO releasing a new track every week for an entire year—a challenge that resulted in 52 unique songs.

A Global Phenomenon

Melbourne Ska Orchestra is no stranger to international success. Having sold out multiple national tours, performed at major festivals, and embarked on three international tours, their infectious live show has won over audiences worldwide.

From Montreal to New York, Istanbul to London, Tokyo to Mexico, MSO has wowed crowds while earning the admiration of reggae and ska legends like Stranger Cole, Owen Gray, Carlos Malcolm, Ranking Roger, and Neville Staples.

And now, in 2025, the band is taking things up a notch—not just with new music, but with a massive global tour showcasing fresh material alongside beloved classics.

Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s Global Tour

Melbourne Ska Orchestra isn’t just bringing their signature energy to Australia—this tour will take them worldwide. With performances locked in for Japan and Canada, 2025 is set to be a whirlwind of ska magic.

“This tour will be wild!” the band shares. “We’re blending the high-energy madness people know us for with deeper, more cinematic moments. We’re taking the full 20-piece band across Australia, and the international legs will be packed with horns, rhythm, and joyful firepower. Expect dancing, storytelling, and a sonic journey like no other.”

Walls of Jericho—A Timeless Ska Anthem

Whether you’re cruising down a highway or experiencing it live, Walls of Jericho is one of those tracks that transports you to another world. The band says, “This track has been brewing for a while, and it really stretches the MSO palette. It’s always exciting to release something that feels both timely and timeless.”

So, PopRocker, get ready to ride this ska wave! Melbourne Ska Orchestra is back, and they’re bringing unstoppable energy. Don’t miss out on their latest single and upcoming tour—it’s going to be a musical experience like no other!