Orange County ska veterans Half Past Two return with a shimmering new single, “Stay Up All Night,” released July 1 via Bad Time Records. Built around bright horn lines, pulsing upstrokes, and Tara Hahn’s emotionally rich vocals, the track delivers a perfect balance of summer energy and late-night introspection.
Lyrically anchored by lines like “I burn like a wildfire” and “Loneliness in the sky,” the song captures that familiar feeling of being alone with your thoughts in the quiet hours—but keeps it danceable. The production, handled by Reade Wolcott and David Irish at Pot of Gold Recording, keeps things crisp without losing the band’s warmth and depth.
“Stay Up All Night” marks a new chapter for Half Past Two, who’ve been pushing the boundaries of third-wave ska since 2006. It’s introspective, catchy, and unmistakably part of the current “New Tone” movement that’s redefining ska-punk for a new generation.
With a Japan tour around the corner and more releases likely on the way, this single sets the tone: nostalgic, fresh, and emotionally resonant.
