Roots rock and Americana band Stellar Jays have just released their second full studio album Merit Badge and it’s got them on our radar.
By Graeme Smith
Brian from the band says of the album that it displays a wider sonic palette than previous works and that range certainly comes across during a listen. The band plays with style, tempo and concept over its eight varied tracks. Brian cites the Jayhawks, early Wilco and MJ Lenderman as touchstones, and the influences are easy to hear.
Oh Dakota opens things with some soul-searching Americana pop. We get a ponderous verse before a singalong chorus arrives, welcoming us in. An undercurrent of cynicism gives an edge to the image-laden lyrics. Jessica then throws off any doubt for a lively rock number. It begins driving and twangy before settling into a groove for the verse. This is contrasted and complemented nicely by Trap Door Heart which starts pensive before expanding into a heartbreaking indie rock moment. Its words dwell on love that hurts. A Hammond organ solo brings us back to country. This opening trio prove to be a strong start.
As the album progresses, highlight Right Where ups the tempo for a bouncy, harmonica-fuelled anthem. An honest story in the lyrics is expressed well through call and response vocals. Title track Merit Badge is the biggest on the record in terms of structure. Layers of growling guitar and delicate percussion build steadily through a fiery verse before the belting chorus arrives.
Snowbird is soft and suitably airy, coming with a change up in the lead vocals. Part Time Gig is lowdown and bluesy while speaking of casual love and lust. Closer Haunt Me offers swinging classic rock and roll. Though torturous, love lingers.
Collectively, the tracks speak of love, painting a picture of the various stages of a relationship from the first spark to loss and regret. The tales and the compositions hang together well, giving us plenty to reflect on as well as groove along with. As a roots rock album, it’s perfectly pitched, leaning into the staples of the genre while also adding something new to the songbook.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more Stellar Jays releases in future.
If you want to keep up to date with all they’re doing, you can do so by heading to their website, and by following them on Instagram and Facebook.
Merit Badge is out now, and you can listen to it below.