JBNG – ‘Run’ [Album Review]

Vancouver, BC-based alt-rock/grunge outfit JBNG has released their new long player, Run, the follow-up to their debut Meh.

The brainchild of Jaben John Groome, JBNG is made up of Groome (vocals), Alejandro Yoshizawa (lead guitar), Jonathan Goldie (rhythm guitar), Tim Charman (bass), and Matt Koopman on drums.

Groome discovered his voice while using his singing as a coping skill that helped him manage the symptoms of his bipolar diagnosis.

Groome explains, “I learned it helps, switching the nervous system out of fight or flight mode.”

Meh hit just the right note, collecting more than 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, a number that is now over 47,000. Groome’s unique voice has become more and more confident as the band develops its sound, a sound that avoids the trap of sameness.

Of the ten tracks on Run, entry points, in no particular order, include “The Narrator,” a pop-punk-flavoured grunge tune riding a propelling rhythm topped by raw, dark, jangly guitars. A personal favourite because of its Jim Morrison-like vocals, it starts off on thick, pummeling guitars and then shifts to a choppy, almost spoken-word flow sprinkled with dreamy episodes.

The crunchy, shoegazey “Barely Know You” summons up suggestions of Soundgarden, whereas “Disconnection” features dirty, growling guitars and Groome’s lusciously raspy vocals. There’s a visceral swing to this track that makes it infectiously good.

JBNG, photo courtesy of JBNG

Another favourite because of its ebbing and rising textures, “So Nice” encloses a wonderful guitar solo from Yoshizawa, complementing Groome’s echoey vocals. “Out to get you” once again reveals the alluring timbres of Groome’s voice, which conjures up more suggestions of Morrison with its deep, rough tones.

“Alone” travels on a blistering amalgamation of grunge and punk surfaces, with chunky interludes, as Groome’s vocals give the lyrics serrated edginess. Vaguely reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots, the closing track, “Pheromones,” opens on gritty, pushing guitars and then descends to bluesy aromas, followed by ramping back up.

Saturated in viscous grunge with surprisingly eloquent sonic shifts, Run is an excellent example of innovatively superb alt-rock.

Run Track Listing:

1. Narrator
2. Brutus
3. Barely Know You
4. Disconnection
5. So Nice
6. Out to get you
7. Its my mind
8. See you in hell
9. Alone
10. Pheromones

Run Time: 26:22
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Record Label: Independent