McAsh, FSTVL SZN Credit: Courtesy

(Self-released, digital)

Ever since I first hauled myself into some manure-smelling field in the middle of Vermont for a music festival, I knew an anthem to the experience was needed. It took a while, but Windsor ska punks McAsh finally delivered it with the fittingly titled “FSTVL SZN,” from an EP of the same name.

Referencing dab hits in the parking lot, dogs in hot cars, orgy tents and bad acid trips waiting in line at the Porta-Potty, the song manages the dual accomplishment of inspiring some proper skanking and giving me PTSD flashbacks to way, way too many festivals.

“This shit sounds the same on drugs anyway,” McAsh vocalist Ryan Hebert sings sagely on the track. “It’s festival season in Vermont.”

While the EP comprises just three hilarious, punk-infused songs, it solidifies McAsh’s status as Vermont’s best ska band. To be fair, I think they’re the only one. Also, I can see some dude in suspenders and checkered Vans telling me McAsh aren’t pure third-wave ska or something, to which I do a bit of air tuba, shutting him up, and then announce that from now on, the fourth wave of ska exists. And it only exists in Windsor.

FSTVL SZN is available on major streaming services.

This article appears in August 5 • 2026.

Music editor Chris Farnsworth has written countless albums reviews and features on Vermont's best musicians, and has seen more shows than is medically advisable. He's played in multiple bands over decades in the local scene and is a recording artist in...