Way back in 2003 when I was working as a movie theater manager, an employee of mine introduced me to The Jealous Sound. They were her favorite group and she couldn’t stop talking about the influence that the lyrics had on her. Based on her recommendation I jumped on board, ordered their newly released first album, and was pleasantly surprised with what I heard. This group of musicians have a good amount of energy and they conveyed this through relatable lyrics. I understood why my employee was such a fan.
Unfortunately for me, not long after getting into this band, they went off the radar on an extended hiatus of sorts. They released an too short Ep in 2008 along with a tour, but they were off the radar for me and I was unaware of their return to the music scene.
Now, with the inclusion of a tour, The Jealous Sound have released their first full length album since 2003 and I am happy to report that A Gentle Reminder was worth the wait.
The thing that stands out for me the most about this album is the welcome familiarity within the songs. There are riffs throughout that fit right at home with their sound. These guys shouldn’t be trying to reinvent their sound as much as to embrace the mechanics that worked for them previously. They need to remind the older fans that they are still here and capable of producing fantastic tunes while building a new audience that utilizes the recipe that worked in the past.
I feel that they have done exactly what they should be doing with this album.
A Gentle Reminder is a solid and cohesive collection of songs that showcases everything that is good about this band. The songs are high energy, filled with emotionally laced lyrics and singing, and accompanied with a solid and creative set of guitars, bass, and drums.
While there is a decent level of energy throughout I still think that the record is lacking the high energy level exhibited with their first album, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing either. I also find the vocals to be just as strong and different from the past. There is a mature sound to the singing that is welcome because I get the sense that it has been a long road to get where they have come. These guys are essentially starting over in a music industry that has changed so drastically over the years since their first release.
Yet, as I stated previously, I do believe that the Jealous Sound have created a strong return to the music world and I am anxious to see them live in concert later this month.
I only hope that this time they don’t take as long between releases.
Album Rating: 4 / 5
Album Review by: Mark.HaTe
Tour
02/03/12 Fri San Diego, CA Soda Bar
02/04/12 Sat Scottsdale, AZ The Rogue Bar
02/06/12 Mon Austin, TX The Mohawk
02/07/12 Tue Fort Worth, TX Lola’s Sixth
02/08/12 Wed Little Rock, AR Stickyz Rock’n'Roll Chicken Shack
02/09/12 Thu Atlanta, GA The Earl
02/10/12 Fri Chapel Hill, NC Local 506
02/11/12 Sat Richmond, VA Strange Matter
02/12/12 Sun Washington, DC Rock And Roll Hotel
02/14/12 Tue Allston, MA Great Scott
02/15/12 Wed Brooklyn, NY Knitting Factory
02/16/12 Thu Philadelphia, PA Milkboy
02/17/12 Fri Cleveland, OH Grog Shop
02/18/12 Sat Chicago, IL Subterranean
02/19/12 Sun Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock Social Club
02/21/12 Tue Denver, CO Marquis Theater
02/22/12 Wed Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
02/24/12 Fri Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre
02/25/12 Sat Seattle, WA El Corazon
02/27/12 Mon San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill
02/28/12 Tue Los Angeles, CA The Satellite
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