Review: California band OF LIMBO’s unplugged ‘JOKE’S ON YOU’

By Michael Alahverdian, Rock At Night New England

Review: OF LIMBO’s single “Joke’s On You” – Release dateFebruary 13, 2025

When a band decides to record without their complete ensemble—such as bass, drums, and keyboards—the outcome of a song can be unpredictable. Sometimes, the results are impressive, but more often than not, the songs fall short.

‘OF LIMBO’s’ unplugged version of “JOKE’S ON YOU” captivates listeners with its haunting guitar melodies, hand claps, and vocals conveying anger and bitterness. Brothers Jake and Luke Davies create a powerful sound with minimal instrumentation. They filmed the music video for “Joke’s On You” entirely on an iPhone 14. Jake explains, “We filmed this in the moment, just going with the flow. The red and blue color overlays represent being two-faced,” which aligns with the song’s theme. The song is about gaslighting someone, feigning tears, and storming off, expecting the viewer to chase after them. Gaslighting is the action of repetitively (and often brazenly) lying to someone to manipulate and ultimately control them and the relationship.

Along with the video, this song is entertaining and thought-provoking about our past or present relationships. “Joke’s On You” is one of the most impactful unplugged songs in recent memory. I can only imagine how potent it would be if ‘OF LIMBO’ performed it live with bass and drums. The band’s commitment to live performances, averaging over 100 shows a year, is a testament to their dedication and high-energy performances. Having toured nationally alongside acts like Wolfmother, Hinder, Candlebox, Buckcherry, Joyous Wolf, and Blue Oyster Cult, they promise an excellent time for all attendees. The band’s plan to continue playing live shows through the rest of 2025 into 2026 is a reassuring sign of their future plans, so be sure to check their tour schedule to see if they will be performing in your area.