The Caballerials: “Waxed Curbs & Suburbs” EP Review
If you remember the days of playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater, then you may remember the name Steve Caballero. Steve is a legendary skateboarder from southern California who helped shape the skateboard culture. Combine a love for skateboarding, a passion for punk, and a heart for Jesus, and the result is The Caballerials. Named after Steve’s iconic aerial moves, this four piece from Hawaii has put together a remastered version of their 2021 EP Waxed Curbs & Suburbs with an additional song dedicated to their favorite skateboarder. The updated version of the EP provides a cleaner and crisper sound that you’re going to want to blare through your speakers.
Waxed Curbs & Suburbs EP Review
Tracks: 5
Release Date: March 20, 2026
Label: Small Step Records
The EP bursts out of the gate with “Full Sleeves,” a throwback to old 90s punk, through straightforward power chords and an energetic drum pattern. The vocals are catchy and easy to sing along with. The song is dynamic and practically begs for the volume up and windows down! You can catch the double bass that helps give some depth to the overall sound.
“The past we can’t undo. I’m sinking like a stone. Till love, folded like a wave, because someone prayed.”
I love the blend of punk rock with their faith. The songs have a fun throwback sound and the lyrics present a positive outlook on life. This blend sets the tone for the rest of the EP.
Who remembers postcards? The next track, “Postcards & Photographs” is centered around missing people and how photographs can evoke memories. I found the vocals strike a similar sound to bands like The Huntingtons. The harmonies are so infectious, it’s practically impossible not to join in. The bassline at the beginning of the song enhances the drum pattern and helps give the song some musical depth.
“Honneymoon” is a song about two friends who seem to grow apart. One friend is looking to mend fences while the other wants to move on and past their friendship.
“Please don’t let your heart grow hard.”
I like that line because it sends the message of not allowing things to grow bitter and fester. We are called to seek and offer forgiveness. Musically the song has that raw, old-school pop punk feel, driven by straightforward power strumming that perfectly complements the vocals. This song has me having flashbacks to the old summer days of hanging out with friends and riding around on bikes.
The buildup on the guitars set the stage for “Heartland Colors.” The dueling vocals with the competing lyrics are impressive and sounds great. I love the simple lyrics. In this instance “take hope, take heart,” is so simple, but displays such a great message. After speaking with the guys, they explained that this song is a punk rock take on the story of the Prodigal Son. They wanted to convey a message of hope despite what has been done in the past. There is always hope and that hope is found only through Jesus Christ.
The last track features the first single for the EP. “Legend” is a song written about the band’s namesake, Steve Caballerio. It is an absolutely fun song that you will get moving and singing along to. The guitar riffs are energetic and fun to groove to and the drums accompany the riffs to assert the tempo and keep you moving and grooving.
“He’s a legend to say the least. Not even Tony could compete!”
That line made me chuckle, because Tony Hawk is arguably one of the greatest skateboarders of all-time. It was a fun and cheeky poke at Tony and the level of competition between the two skaters. This song was written to express their appreciation towards Steve and his contributions to the skateboarding community. “Legend” is a fun song to listen to and sing along to. Sometimes bands just need to write songs about things that they love. For some, they write about skittles and combos and for these guys, they write about their favorite skateboarder.
This EP is full of classic pop punk throwbacks from the guitar riffs, vocal styles and drum patterns. It’s a solid choice to blast on the stereo while driving around with the windows down or when you’re hanging out with your friends on a summer day. Still flying under the radar, The Caballerials bring a fresh perspective to the punk scene. If you grew up on the hooks of The Huntingtons, Last Tuesday, or MxPx, their infectious sound is going to be your next obsession. If you are looking for music that blends together pop punk nostalgia with lyrics rooted in faith and hope, you have found that in The Caballerials.
