Jean Paul Jean Paul Ignites with New Single “Jai Alai” and Album “It Comes Back”
In the ever-evolving landscape of indie rock, few bands manage to carve out a niche that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. Enter Jean Paul Jean Paul, a Boston-based quintet whose latest single, “Jai Alai,” from their eagerly anticipated sophomore album, “It Comes Back,” is poised to do just that. Slated for release on Friday, 12 July, this album promises to be a sonic journey worth embarking on.
Jean Paul Jean Paul, named whimsically after a Seinfeld character, is a band that revels in the complexity of simplicity. Their sound, a robust mélange of indie rock, grunge, jangle-pop, and alt-folk, is both a nod to the golden era of 90’s alt-rock and a fresh breath of modern musical ingenuity. The lead single, “Jai Alai,” exemplifies this blend, delivering just over two and a half minutes of high-octane energy that is as infectious as it is memorable.
Recorded at the renowned Mad Oak Studios and brought to life by the deft hands of producer, engineer, and mixer Benny Grotto, “Jai Alai” is a track that captures the raw, live-wire energy that Jean Paul Jean Paul is known for. The song’s lyrical content is a testament to resilience and rejuvenation. As frontman Steve Harding eloquently puts it, “Jai alai is about bouncing back after you lose your mojo. It’s cyclical. Emotions are, oceans are, and time can seem to be. You’ll be back, it comes back.”
Harding’s insightful metaphor finds a fitting parallel in the intense sport of jai alai, primarily played in South Florida, where agility and a sharp mind are key to bouncing back from setbacks. This intensity and ability to reclaim one’s groove is mirrored in the band’s sonic structure, where guitarmony—the harmonious interplay of their three guitarists—dominates.
The album “It Comes Back” is a vibrant testament to the band’s musical evolution since their 2022 debut, “Pollyanna.” Each track is a meticulously crafted piece that weaves heartfelt lyrics with catchy hooks, creating an urgent and upbeat style that’s hard to resist. As bassist Christopher Cornell reflects, “One major component that we all were striving for with this album was to capture the raw energy that these songs have when we play them live on stage.”
Jean Paul Jean Paul’s lineup—Steve Harding on vocals, acoustic guitar, and percussion; Andy Gelb on drums; Christopher Cornell on bass and vocals; Andrew Cornish on lead electric guitar and 12-string guitar; Warren Forbes on lead electric guitar and vocals; and Tyler Dell’Aquila on keyboard and vocals—ensures a rich and diverse soundscape. The addition of Benny Grotto, who contributes percussion, accordion, glockenspiel, triangle, and keyboard, adds further layers of texture and depth to their music.
“It Comes Back” is not just an album; it’s an experience. The band’s commitment to authenticity, combined with their fearless incorporation of varied musical styles, makes this a standout record in the indie rock scene. Critics have already begun to hail it as “one of the best albums of 2024,” a bold but fitting accolade for a band that consistently straddles the divide between punchy, muscular alt-rock and poised melodic indie.
For fans who yearn for the raw, unfiltered energy of live performances and the polished brilliance of studio production, Jean Paul Jean Paul’s “It Comes Back” offers the best of both worlds. With “Jai Alai” leading the charge, this album is set to reaffirm the band’s place as a beloved staple in Boston’s underground music scene and beyond.
So dive into the invigorating world of Jean Paul Jean Paul. With “It Comes Back,” they’re not just making a statement—they’re reclaiming their rhythm, one exhilarating track at a time.
