The Jury And The Saints – The Jury And The Saints (self titled album)

The Jury And The Saints from Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) who describe themselves as ‘Monster Rock from Aoteoroa‘ (which is the Maori name for NZ) released their self-titled second album via SPV on 2nd March 2015. Formed by Jesse and Rowan as a two piece in 2009 they toured hard but decided to develop their live performances by doubling their ranks, enlisting Ivan and Marty. They have supported Paramore on an Australasian tour and hope to tour in Europe soon.

Interesting that they describe themselves as Monster Rock as I did pick up influences of some stadium fillers such as 30 Seconds to Mars and Foo Fighters along the way as I listened to the twelve tracks. I’m not going to cover each track individually just an overall impression and I’ll pull out some of the elements I picked up. On first listen I thought of the aforementioned and also elements of American Fangs, Nirvana, Rancid and Falling in Reverse. The latter not in a specific song but in the overall feel of the album and the way the band combine a mixture of gruff vocals with a more melodic singing style, reminding me of Falling in Reverse’s song Alone.

Opening track Start Moving has a real feel good vibe and was like a cross between American Fangs’ Pomona and Kings and Queens by 30 Seconds to Mars. Fever and Focus more hardcore punk numbers with some powerful, aggressive vocals interspersed with softer vocals and lots of Whoa, Whoa, Whoas and a bit of a Rancid flavour (not literally but as in the band Rancid!). Monday Morning had me thinking of  All My Life by Foo Fighters. In Freedom Fighter I picked up some Buzzcocks style riffage.  Last Time elements of Nirvana I’m thinking Lithium merging into a more powerful song like From Yesterday by 30 Seconds to Mars.  A sound second album, well produced and with twelve songs packed into around forty minutes it should maintain your interest to the end. A worthy four stars.

Highlight track – Start Moving.

Track List:
1. Start Moving
2. Fever
3. Focus
4. Monday Morning
5. Freedom Fighter
6. Knocking on The Devils Door
7. City Lights
8. Bust The Radio
9. Last Time
10. Brand New
11. Last Mistake
12. Make Our Mark

Band Members:
Jesse Smith – Vocals & Guitar
Ivan Beets – Bass
Marty Kroon – Drums
Rowan Crowe – Guitar