The local band Night Jobs has been on my list to check out for some time. Sadly, my concert schedule never quite seems to match up with what they have going on but that didn’t stop them from reaching out to me about checking out their new EP ‘Never Happener’. Although I couldn’t make it to the release show, I have been anxiously awaiting some free time to check out the new release. I wouldn’t say I have free time right now but I will say that I am bored with work and would love nothing more than to take a break and check out this four-song EP so let’s jump into it!
“Landlord” wastes no time with jumping into this band’s powerful, anthemic, yet unique sound. Although the instrumentation starts off with an undeniable sense of aggression, the vocals quickly come in and cool it all down with a sense of almost tenderness before going right back into a powerful bridge that will have even the most stubborn head nodding along to the beat. I’m not sure that this will make sense to many people outside of the local scene but this track definitely has that Minneapolis punk sound. In the vein of Dillinger Four, Banner Pilot and all of the other greats in the amazing scene here, Night Jobs has this perfect balance of having a very polished sound while still feeling a bit rough around the edges with a very garage punk vibe.
Do you like Iron Chic? If so, you will absolutely love “Brody”. If you have no clue who Iron Chic is, you will still love “Brody”. Again, coming through with Night Jobs’ distinct sound but with the addition of infectious gang vocals and an ear wormy guitar part, this track instantly became a favorite of mine but I have a feeling that I will say that about all four of these songs. Although it’s lunchtime and I am just sitting at my desk taking a little break to listen to this, I could picture myself in a local club like Mortimer’s or Palmer’s as this song played. I would be jumping around while trying desperately to not spill my PBR or Hamm’s. What I’m trying to say is that this track is just one of those feel-good songs with an amazing energy that will put you right in the middle of one of their shows even if it’s the middle of the day.
That anthemic vibe continues into “Stumbled Along” but there’s something just a bit more heartfelt in this track than the previous. I really liked how, although still full of energy and angst, “Stumbled Along” gives you a whole different side of this band and just really showcases how talented all three members are. Although just a bit moodier, this song fits in perfectly and almost acts as a bit of a break from the more party-styled first two tracks. Although not my favorite of the four tracks just due to my current mental state of feeling motivated and ready to seize the day, this is such a solid song that absolutely deserves your attention.
“Thank You, Bob Nanna” closes out this album perfectly. It really splits the difference between the tenderness in “Stumbled Along” and the more punk house party feeling of the first two tracks. Unfortunately, this is also the shortest track on this all too quick EP at just a hair over two minutes but that didn’t stop it from getting stuck in my head. The chorus here is just so fun and, although a bit predictable, it hits all of the right notes in all of the right ways. I absolutely listened to this track a few times before allowing my house to entire an eerie silence that always seems to happen after listening to a genius work of art.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t regret skipping out on Night Jobs’ EP release show to see Alkaline Trio and Coheed & Cambria. That statement alone should be enough to make you want to check this amazing album out so drop everything and give it a listen… Hell, just buy it! It’s $5 on Bandcamp (link below)– how can you say no?!
My Favorite Track(s): Literally All of Them
For Fans Of: Minneapolis Punk; Midwest Punk; Angst and Catchiness
Mosh-ability: 9 out of 10
What My Cats Thought Of It: Artie slept on the couch; Autumn slept upstairs
How Badly I Want To See This Performed Live: 10 out of 10
My Overall Rating: 9.9 out of 10 (Not giving it a 10 just because I hate how short this is!)
Check Out Night Jobs Here:
Listen to ‘Never Happener’ here!
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