Jesse Judies – Just In Case (2023)
The Covid pandemic brought about lots of changes in its uncertain period of lockdowns, particularly when it came to musicians. Gigs weren’t happening but creativity was not stifled, and many exceptional results came from lockdowns – both for emerging and established artists. When it comes to Jesse Judies, the brainchild of singer-songwriter Nick Bray, it was a time of relocation, self-discovery and outstanding music. Hailing from San Francisco, Bray picked up his years of experience and headed to Sydney to avoid being separated from his Australian partner. During this time, he kept busy and released the single ‘Chemistry’ in 2020, as well as the full-length album Thoughts In A Loop in 2021.
Collaborating with singer-songwriter Sasha March, drummer Matthew Power and producer Ollie Brown, Bray created a three-track EP as the “pandemic dragged on” titled Colors of Youth. A highly personal sonic tale, Bray and the others navigate his journey of “uprooting himself during the pandemic and finding his footing in Australia” – and he takes us all on the ride. Come with us as we join the journey with the track ‘Just In Case’.
Alongside ‘Colors of Youth’ and ‘Oumuamua’, ‘Just In Case’ is the third track off the three-track EP. A melting pot of music, it is near impossible to categorise Jesse Judies – particularly in the new EP. From the power-pop tone of the title track to a funk-accented ‘Oumuamua’, ‘Just In Case’ brings a slight rock flavour to the fore. A nostalgic whisper of 80s indie-pop exists flooded with synths, drums and a looped guitar; however, a crashing sweep of music lifts us off the ground in the infectious choruses. A bit of a rollercoaster but bound by harmonic rhythms and sophisticated production.
While you find yourself floating along the warm soundscape without a care in the world, an intricate whirlpool captures you in profound lyricism. Intricate and complex, the twinkling melody veils the message of making a dramatic change. Fear, confusion and second guesses linger but Bray steps up touching on human resilience, hopefulness and optimism in the face of uncertainty.
Find out more about Jesse Judies on his Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Enjoy more indie-pop songs on The Other Side Reviews’ Indie Pop playlist:
