Ruder Than You

Established in 1989 at Penn State University in State College, PA, Ruder Than You originated as a band. The members shifted operations to Philadelphia following their 1990 graduation. Their style draws primarily from traditional ska and dancehall reggae rather than the punk ska favored by most peers during that era. Big Step, the debut album, appeared on Moon Records in 1992. Horny for Ska followed four years afterward. The group also contributed tracks to numerous third wave compilations beyond those two releases. Touring and live shows supported both albums, with the band frequently serving as openers for acts such as the Skatalites, Steel Pulse, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and No Doubt. No performances have occurred since 1998, prompting widespread assumptions that the band has disbanded.