The Jazz June, ‘After the Earthquake’ – Album Review

Do you remember the Jazz June, one of emo and indie rock's most influential acts of the 21st century?

Well they're back, with their first album in nearly 12 years called 'After the Earthquake' -- and it's about as good as a comeback album can be. If you don't remember these catchy, wholesome rockers all that well, you'll certainly realize where a lot of the techniques that your favorite bands use come from.

The new album blends a healthy mix of jovial '90s rock, early '00s emo and just all-around heavy alt rock. Hitting the streets today (Nov. 11) via Topshelf Records, it's already getting worldwide attention.

The first song, 'Over Underground,' hits you like a Foo Fighters track: punchy, raspy and in-your-face. It's a great way to start off the record and launches you into the next nine tracks.

The second and title track seems to have a very Third Eye Blind vibe. In fact, most of the album plays out this way, with a warm undercurrent that flows beneath the entirety of the record.

The next song, 'With Honors,' is probably most notable for the talented drumming by the band's percussionist, which really accounts for the track's intensity. Most of the drumming on the record is extremely powerful and well-executed.

'It Came Back' is an up-and-down anthem for a lack of self-confidence. This and the next song, 'Edge of Space,' are great tracks to sing along to. The melancholic 'Stuck On Repeat' is the next track up, with a foot-tapping, wailing guitar chorus and driving verses that keep the song running smooth all the way through.

'Ain't It Strange' has a rocking punk vibe to it but the chorus twists in a very twangy, avant-garde, off-key kinda way. It's perfectly placed toward the end to keep the LP interesting, picking you right back up again. The next track, 'Nothing to See Here,' runs the same exact way, but this time, with dual vocals.

The last two songs, 'Short Changed' and 'Two Floors Down,' seem to help the album fade out to its end. The slower, calmer tone of 'Two Floors Down' gives you the opportunity to hear everything come full circle. It's at that point on the record where you may very well decide to start it back from the top.

If you're starving for something fresh and new, and an all-around solid rock album, the Jazz June's 'After the Earthquake' will leave you satisfied. We're always looking for good new music, and as the band's comeback album, it only opens the door for more greatness to ensue from the newly happily revived indie rock outfit.