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

album by:
The Jury and the Saints
Version:
CD
Price:
£10.99

Reviewed by:
Rating:
4
On 25 March 2015
Last modified:25 March 2015

Summary:

Twelve songs packed into forty minutes should keep your attention throughout. Should appeal to fans of Falling in Reverse, American Fangs and Rancid with elements of 30 Seconds to Mars and Nirvana thrown in for good measure. A good, sound four stars from PlanetMosh.

The Jury and the Saints

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.

The Jury and The Saints

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

 

Twelve songs packed into forty minutes should keep your attention throughout. Should appeal to fans of Falling in Reverse, American Fangs and Rancid with elements of 30 Seconds to Mars and Nirvana thrown in for good measure. A good, sound four stars from PlanetMosh.

About Louise Swift

I first went to a gig in 1981, Gillan at Leeds University. I've been a regular gig goer ever since. I haven't kept count of how many gigs I've been to over the intervening years, but it's a lot! My favourite bands are AC/DC then, in no particular order, Anti-Nowhere League, Slaughter and the Dogs, Towers of London and Dirt Box Disco. I tend to like Glam/Punk and rude offensive lyrics, not sure what that says about me but as Animal would say 'So What!' The question was recently put to me - did I write for any online publications? My reply - No, but I'd like to! Planetmosh was suggested and I found myself offering to review Aces High Festival. Easy peasy I thought! Well not quite, if a jobs worth doing it's worth doing well! I had sixteen bands to research. I found I actually enjoyed that and it kept me too busy to be making lunatic comments on Facebook! ;) Then I felt a bit inadequately qualified. I mean, who am I to comment on others, when my musical expertise extends to being able to play a mean Greensleeves on the recorder and a passable Annie's song on the flute! Haven't picked up either instrument for years! What I do have, however, is over 30 years of experience as a gig goer, so I can comment on what I like and what I don't! It's only my opinion and, if I don't like a band it doesn't mean they are bad, just not to my own liking. I admire anyone who has the guts to get up on that stage and have a go!