A blend of raw energy, memorable instrumentals and unmistakable voice earns this EP a solid spot on anyone’s playlist!
I was recently given an EP to review from Hawaiian punk/ska band Grapefruit – a long-standing group from Kailua, Oahu – titled ‘Prehistoric Hijinks’. Formed in 1992, the trio of Brandon (guitar/vocals), Justin (bass/vocals), and Tom (drums) have shared the stage with major acts in the punk scene, including the legendary Green Day. The EP, released Feb 1st, 2026, features four tracks – ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Change Up’, ‘Bad Tattoo’, and ‘Grey Hair’. Here’s my take on each, and on the release as a whole:
‘Summer Nights’ – A Nostalgic Shot to the Chest
My first thought when ‘Summer Nights’ hit was a simple, visceral “Damn!” The intro is punchy and loud – like a shotgun blast straight into your headphones – and I physically recoiled when it kicked in. This track instantly transported me back to 1990s–2000s punk. The vocals carry that unfiltered, teenage energy, complete with a slightly nasally edge reminiscent of many early-aughts punk vocalists. It even brought to mind ‘Scotty Doesn’t Know’ by Lustra, which has become a cult favorite among punk fans.
What stood out most was the balance: vocals clear but secondary to the raw instrumental drive, like the garnish on a well-crafted meal. Lyrics are simple – and they’re supposed to be. This is punk in its purest, unapologetic form, where the energy matters more than the words. The guitar work ties it together with smooth yet rapid chords that tell you this band has years of experience under their belts. I kept picturing a ragged crowd of punks – battle jackets, ripped denim, Mohawks and leather – moshing to this track like it was the center of their universe. For less than three minutes, ‘Summer Nights’ is a cinematic snapshot you live in, not just listen to.
‘Change Up’ – Ska-Infused Reflection Under Warm Skies
Then ‘Change Up hit – and my reaction shifted to a curious “Oh, interesting.” Where ‘Summer Nights’ punched you immediately, this track opens with a calmer, coastal-feeling guitar riff that feels like a 1990s beach day soundtrack – like kids unloading from the back of a pickup at the North Shore. The melody leans bright and upbeat, and the ska influence shows up in the drums and guitar dancing together in a groovy harmony.
There are lyric lines that really stand out: “Everything they taught you was wrong” “All the teachings that I once considered facts were someone’s lies” “Dedicate my life to helping the misunderstood”. To me, this track feels like an awakening call – a questioning of major social institutions (family, education, religion, media, power structures) and a desire to break free from those narratives. All of that is wrapped in a beat that makes you want to move, making the message feel both fun and meaningful. It’s introspective, rebellious, and still unmistakably punk.
‘Bad Tattoo’ – My Favorite Track on the EP
‘Bad Tattoo’ quickly became my favorite song on ‘Prehistoric Hijinks’. It starts slowly with a simple bass line, then blossoms into a mid-tempo punk rhythm. Unlike the punch of ‘Summer Nights’ or the relaxed bounce of ‘Change Up’, this track feels layered emotionally – brooding just a touch, like it’s teetering on the edge of heartache without fully diving into it.
The chorus is catchy as hell, sticking in my head long after I first heard it. The guitar remains front and center, but here it serves more than energy – it carries melody and feeling. That balance of grit and earworm is rare, and it’s what pushes this track to the top of the EP for me.
‘Grey Hair’ – Nostalgia With a Sharp Edge
The final track, ‘Grey Hair’, hits with a strong guitar presence from the start. I’ll be honest – at first, I had to strain a little to hear the vocal lines over the instrumentals, but once I did, the message resonated. With lines like: “The 90s were a blast” and “Every grey hair I got speaks the truth” this song feels like a reflection on aging and memory. At 22, I can’t say it resonated with me in the same personal way as a 40-something might, but I absolutely understand the emotional space it occupies. It’s nostalgic without being saccharine – wistful without feeling defeated.
My favorite musical moment on this track is a wicked guitar riff after the second chorus that carries a similar feel to the coastal vibes of ‘Change Up’. It captures a longing for the past while still keeping you moving in the present – a rare but powerful balance.
‘Prehistoric Hijinks’ thrives on nostalgia without feeling outdated. There’s a 90s–2000s punk feel that is refreshing in a landscape where modern punk can sometimes stray toward the generic. Each track carries personality, simple but effective lyrics, and guitar-first production that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. Yes, there are moments that feel repetitive, but that repetition works in service of consistency – the band knows their sound and leans into it confidently. This is the kind of music that could:
- start a mosh pit,
- elevate a beachside cookout,
- or just sit in your car stereo as the sun dips.
In short, ‘Prehistoric Hijinks’ is worth your time – both for longtime punk fans and newcomers.
This article wouldn’t be complete without including some words from artists themselves. I reached out to Grapefruit for comment and to quote them; “The main thing we want people to know is that listening to music (and especially making music) should be FUN! We are unapologetically upbeat. Our music reflects positivity and hope for the future that comes from our deep love of Hawai’i. We also don’t fit neatly into the many subgenres of punk but we don’t let that stop us. We always tell the crowd at our shows “Start a band, make some noise, express yourself!” You don’t need talent or permission.. and it’s better to sound bad and unique than copy anyone else.”
Get you digital copy of ‘Prehistoric Hijinks‘ online HERE, and vinyl records can be purchased at local shows, or through the band’s Instagram. All proceeds will fund more studio projects, plus they have over a dozen new tracks they plan to release as a series of vinyl EPs in the coming months. After hearing ‘Prehistoric Hijinks‘, I must say, I’m looking forward to hearing more from these guys!
Check out writer Lawerence‘s LOWLIFE Streetwear Company in Hawai’i for Punk clothing designs.
- Summer Nights
- Change Up
- Bad Tattoo
- Grey Hair
Follow Grapefruit on Their Socials:
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I’m a fashion design student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and I run a streetwear brand called LOWLIFE Streetwear Company. I’ve received attention from many local punk rock bands in my area, and have secured a vendor spot at Riot Fest, a punk rock show in Chicago in September. An army veteran, I moved to Hawaii from the mainland to go to UHM, and in less than a year of being on the island, started a business that’s gaining recognition from the local population. I work with a local business in hope of doing an event to raise money for the homeless.
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