Bones and Jones “In Blue” EP Review

By Daniela Mireles (she/her)

The alternative rock n’roll and country sound has become a force all over the world again. Bones and Jones are here to prove it, with their country and rock fusion becoming their signature sound, the Victoria based group are known for their songwriting and electric live performances, they have carved their name into the Australian music scene with their vintage rock intertwined with country aesthetics. With three albums and one collaborative EP in their catalogue, the band shows their journey constructed by their decade long friendships and the connection from the landscape that surrounds them.

From beginnings in Geelong, Bones and Jones have risen to fame over the past year and have shared stages with iconic names such as Twin Peaks, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and The Nude Party. Festivals such as Port Fairy Folk Festival, Meadow, Boogie Festival and more have experienced their magnetic stage presence, where their energy mirrors the intensity of the studio recordings of their tracks.They have also played in Melbourne’s iconic venues such as The Curtin, Northcote Social Club and The Gasometer to sold out shows. They have been nominated for Best Regional Act for two years in a row for the Music Vic Awards. The band is set to make their first US appearance in Austin, Texas for SXSW this March.  

This EP has a very strong alternative country sound, the song “Simple Passion” has soul stirring lyrics, twangy guitar riffs and a heartfelt story. This song opens up with a melancholic guitar sound, setting an image that feels familiar and refreshing. The vocalist Jasper Jolly’s beautiful and out of this world vocals establish an alternative flair with a country sound lingering with it and gives us vocals with emotions that carry the song’s lyrics, as he touches themes such as lost love, heartbreak and longing with a fragile yet powerful delivery showing unfiltered emotion embedded in the lyrics. As you progress with the song, the guitar and the vocalist take the centre stage, adding an emotional intensity during the epilogue of the song. While listening to this song, you can imagine a surf coast, an open sky, the most beautiful landscape you can imagine.

Meanwhile, the song “In Ya Nature” captures the spirit of the perfect coming of age movie that perfectly encapsulates what youth is. With a standout guitar riff and an upbeat tempo, this song demonstrates Bones and Jones’ ability to impart the alternative country music genre with a sense of nostalgia. It radiates a cinematic quality sound, envisioning a road trip with your best friends, bonfires, and adventurous journeys where the main character finds themselves in a self-discovery transformative journey. The guitar riff is a standout, it injects a sense of excitement and adventurous feeling to the track. This particular song shows us Bones and Jones’ ability to translate emotion into art, making this song the highlight of the album.

The band’s ability to go from a melancholic song like “Every Morning” to an upbeat love track with drums like “Need It” is a testament to their versatility as artists. Whether it’s twangy guitar riffs that sound like Jeff Buckley’s  or vintage rock inspired drums, they both contribute to an album that feels like nostalgia about an old love. The songwriting in these four songs are relatable and raw, following a heartbreak and solitude journey that helps us listeners lose themselves in the music. Each track unfolds like a chapter in a novel.

The production quality of this EP is a standout element, showcasing a raw, live and at the same time a studio polished sound. The mix allows every instrument to be heard and to shine in its own ways, whether it's the drums in the background, a guitar riff, or Jasper’s vocals, the production helps them all take the centre in each song, making it enjoyable to listen. The interplay from each instrument creates a harmonious blend while maintaining an immersive atmosphere.

With their newest EP “In Blue”, the band continues to show their journey through each note and word that is sung. This album is an invitation from the members of this band for a journey filled with melancholiness, love and the transformative power of music. This album gives authenticity to the band’s performance that perfectly delivers a cohesive and perfect listening experience. The album is a triumph, with it effortlessly navigating between rock infused songs to acoustic ballad tracks, adding richness to the album is its soul-stirring vocals.

Bones and Jones have perfectly delivered a perfectly crafted EP that resonates with the human experience, captivating the highs and lows of life, the lost loves we might have let go once in our life, the loneliness that aches in the hearts of people and more. Bones and Jones delivered an extraordinary musical masterpiece.