Sublime: Until the Sun Explodes
The Long Beach, California reggae-punk trio Sublime are set to release their fourth studio album, ‘Until the Sun Explodes’, on 12 June. Blending the band’s signature alternative sound with a fresh new chapter, the record marks their first full-length album featuring Jakob Nowell, son of the late Bradley Nowell, on vocals. Packed with infectious bass lines, nostalgic reggae-rock energy and emotionally charged lyrics, ‘Until the Sun Explodes’ is an album that longtime fans and new listeners alike have plenty of reason to be excited about.
The opener and lead single, ‘Ensenada’, explores the narrator’s desire to escape small-town life and a failing relationship in search of a brighter future. Through this journey, Sublime encourages listeners to make changes when their circumstances are holding them back, while also reminding us not to judge others without understanding what they may be going through. This message feels especially relevant in an age where social media constantly exposes us to carefully curated glimpses of other people’s lives. The song’s impact extended beyond its themes, becoming a major commercial success and making history by spending eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart – the longest reign atop alternative radio in 2025.
‘Can’t Miss You’ is revealing a more vulnerable side of the record. Beneath its laid-back reggae-rock groove is a thoughtful examination of heartbreak and the challenge of moving on from a past relationship. Rather than offering easy answers, the track captures the messy reality of grief, showing how memories can linger long after a relationship has ended. It is one of the album’s most emotionally resonant moments, balancing catchy melodies with a surprising amount of depth.
In contrast, ‘Gangstalker’ injects a burst of energy with its aggressive ska-punk attitude and unmistakably Southern Californian sound. The track explores themes of paranoia and alienation, placing listeners inside the mind of a narrator who feels constantly watched and judged. As the song unfolds, it becomes clear that substance abuse is fuelling many of these fears, transforming what initially feels like a rebellious anthem into a darker reflection on addiction and its consequences. The result is one of the album’s most compelling tracks, made even more poignant by its thematic connection to the struggles that defined much of Bradley Nowell’s life.
The emotional centrepiece of the album arrives with the title track, ‘Until the Sun Explodes’, honouring Bradley Nowell and showing Jakob’s desire to continue his legacy. Throughout the song, Jakob asks, “Do you know I owe you my life?”, showing fans that he is committed to carrying on his late father’s legacy and that he is the right person to lead Sublime into the future. The lyric suggests that he feels a deep responsibility to honour Bradley’s memory after his tragic death at such a young age. He also reflects on how he has learned to cope with his grief, even during difficult times: “I been to the spots you used to go / I hear you coming through the radio”. Through these lines, Jakob reveals how Sublime’s music has helped him stay connected to his father’s memory, and the verse is sure to create emotional moments at concerts as fans come together to remember Bradley.
Overall, ‘Until The Sun Explodes’ is a strong album that fans can be genuinely excited about. It captures the band’s signature 1990s reggae-rock sound while pairing it with powerful lyrics that explore Bradley’s legacy and highlight the exciting future ahead for the trio. 2026 is set to be a huge year for Sublime as they also celebrate 30 years since the release of their self-titled album. With this record, Sublime have proved that they are back and here to stay, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for them.