St. J “Three Heads Are Better One”

The Cleveland, OH band comprised of bass player and vocalist Jake Olson, guitarist and vocalist Dave Stump, and drummer, and vocalist Bret Davis display an enticing penchant for crafting dark themed anthems. ST. J ultimately records an album based on power dynamics and the reeling moments of a relationship smearing the plane of controversial subject matters, with a skillful naivety that makes it seem admissible on “Three Heads Are Better Than One” . Each track signifies the stages of a deterring but resilient bond one wrought with a spectrum of emotions. First, the denial, conforming, rationalizing, which opens a door to abuse, then dejection, and finally make up sex.  There’s three underlying ideas that are prevalent throughout this album all centered around relationships. 

 “Intro” This overture is dark and edgy, the Lofi quality serves as an aesthetic placing the listener in the setting of a grungy garage. The ambience is constructed to create an intimate experience with the listener. A live recorded experience if you will. A safe place where one can be free to divulge their darkest experiences in front of an audience that’s receptive to adulterous content and ideas that challenge social norms. 

The engaging revolting riff on “Heart Sand Glue” pulls the listener in from the opener. The plodding guitar staggers defiantly, while the filthy mixed vocal emanate a gritty texture conveying sentiments expressed on this recording . “Heart Sand Glue” is griping lyrically, lucidly descriptive, and is delivered in a way that baits the listener into their blithe filled world. The premise of the song is based on an aplomb soul trapped in desolation coming to terms with the pervasive emptiness forged in a relationship. The care free chant “I don’t mind” is galvanizing and influences the listener to chant along, while seeping deeper into their platitudes. 

ST. J’s 90s approach is reminiscent of prominent bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam. With that in mind their aesthetic is esoteric in a sense, artistically ensuring that every element incorporated on the album serves a specific purpose. 

The next selection is the instrumental to “Heart Sand Glue” in this recording the drummer Bret Davis takes over the reins as frontman his adroit ability is highlighted in this production. There’s more of an appreciation for the drum patterns and drum fills. Another, feature that stands out is the interplay between both guitarists Jake & Dave. Presenting the production devoid of vocals allows for headroom to key in into the instrumentation gathering intel on amps, and other effects deployed that aids in forming their signature sound.

“Private Show” finds the band reminiscing on their early pubertal ages as the frontman croons “long ride to your house two wheels, gets me there, I’m too young yet to drive, but old enough to stare”.  Fascinated with the only thought that occupies a teenager in that state. The thoughts of exploring the female anatomy takes hold. The ravishing compulsion supersedes causing the frontman to engage in prose about an occurrence where he often reconvened to eavesdrop on a female thorough her window. Although, the lyrics are haunting but it doesn’t come off cringe worthy due to the skillfully manner in which the lyrics where written and delivered. The Cleveland natives are able to delineate this message as if it’s consensual. While this song is witty and playful, it’s also edgy and sinister.

The instrumental once again illustrates a different aesthetic allowing the listener to indulge in the production while forming their own interpretation of the song. 

“Be Like This” features a exhilarating guitar riff that’s remarkable and located in the bridge section of the song. This particular recording features both guitarists unleashing a bravura performance. In this recording the band takes on a serious subject matter while alternating lead singers. This song espouses on a dark abusive relationship as the lyrics dredge up prior altercations. 

The instrumental follows, but by now you’ve grown accustomed to the unique sequencing arrangement.  This is the first time on this recording where the momentum shifts from the drummer to the guitarists. Allowing the listener to highlight and appreciate the integral part each band member plays in forming this band. All the while developing a fondness towards their artistic ingenuity. A cunning display of musicality presenting richness in Lo-Fi. 

“Tie Me Down” is a record for the S&M enthusiasts. This delves into the realm of fantasy and role playing. Yearning for his lover to take full advantage of him he croons “tie me down , and take me, tie me down, and cage me”.

The production varies a tad throughout the project. This is a cohesive project set to bring the listener in the front row of an intimate performance. Embodying something unique and earnest, their lyrics are dark, grungy, raw, dense, playful, and hopeful. 

“Three Heads Are Better Than One” releases on January 7th, 2020. This album is emblematic of each band member’s opportunity to take on a leading role. The album embraces more than one meaning, the relationship between the band members, the relationship between their significant others, and the relationship towards their musical endeavors. All, which is inspired by this base (Lo-Fi) quality of existence that they revel in. They’re willings to harness and thrive in this environment while managing relationships and expectations seems to be the overlaying theme. This was a really intriguing listen and one recommended for those who appreciate artists with treasure hunts littered in their music.