Say Something by Stealing Jane (Music Review by A.L. Harper)
Rising from the ashes of high school ska band HyJinX, Stealing Jane are building a reputation as a high-energy, anarchic, kinetic live act and they have already shared the stage with the likes of The Wailers and George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. And now they have released their debut EP Say Something, which comes close to capturing their dynamic, pulsating live show. Stealing Jane’s ska-pop is an ebullient, harmonious, blues-infused sound that will inspire you to jump-up on your chair and dance.
Stealing Jane have tried to translate their tumultuous live show attitude on their debut EP Say Something. Although, as you would expect on an album version, it is more polished, structured, and mellifluous than the live version, Say Something is still a rollicking romp through rock/blues/R&B influenced ska-pop. Their riotous, pulsating, animated sound is accentuated with sex-soaked lyrics and frontman Bryce Larsen’s passionate, emotive vocals that will make your nether regions quiver.
Say Something begins with “Outside” a dynamic mixture of funk-pop and ska. With an electric guitar riff opening over a slow building, screaming sax solo, “Outside” is the perfect introduction to Stealing Jane’s unique ska inspired sounds. Next is “Better Things” which opens with tinny old-fashioned stereo speaker sounding vocals and stick rhythm percussion but quickly moves to bigger and better sounds. This dynamic barely-restrained song is as ballad as Stealing Jane get.
“Take It Easy” has a singer-songwriter feel to it, keyboards, acoustic guitar, and repeating song structure, this more indie rock track has an almost Dave Mathews sound. “Take It Easy” is a radio friendly song and is easily the most pop-inspired and accessible on Say Something. And it moves into “Heart Breaker”, a funk-infused rock song. With added sax, trumpet, and trombone, this track is Maroon 5 having a party with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and they are all smoking rock guitars. Then SJ wraps it all up with “This is Goodbye”, loads of rock guitar, less funk, more blues, and jazz and lyrics that express longing and heartbreak, polished off with the sounds of rain on a tin roof that reinforce the end-of-love feelings. All in all Say Something is an excellent debut for a band that is destined to go places.
You can hear Stealing Jane’s new six track debut EP Say Something at their MySpace space. You can purchase it at their online store and you can also get more information and join their online community on their website.
A.L. Harper is a freelance writer and motorbike fanatic originally from Salt Lake City, Utah but now living in Scotland. In edition to being the Managing Editor for All Things Girl, A.L. is the Assistant Music Editor for Blogcritics.org and a freelance writer for hire.
