Artist: The Jellybricks
Single: “Monday’s Never”
The Jellybricks, hailing from the heart of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, are a seasoned rock band with a legacy spanning well over two decades. They catapulted into the limelight with their 2019 release, “Some Kind of Lucky.” The quartet comprises Larry Kennedy on guitar, Garrick Chow handling the bass guitar, Bryce Connor on guitar as well, and Tom Kristich holding down the rhythm on drums. All of them also contribute their vocal talents to the band.
If you’ve had a chance to listen to their music, you’ll know the multifaceted nature of their sound. It’s no wonder, given their extensive repertoire of musical influences that span across several decades. The Jellybricks draw inspiration from the melodic strains of Rock ‘n’ Roll, weaving together the British Invasion of the ’60s, the raw energy of ’70s Punk, the introspective melodies of ’80s College Rock, and the rebellious spirit of ’90s Alternative music.
As they diligently craft their upcoming full-length album, still shrouded in an air of mystery without a title, with the renowned Grammy-winning producer Geoff Sanoff masterminding the sonic tapestry, we were granted a sneak peek into the exciting direction this project might take, and this is what to expect!
Their latest single, “Monday’s Never,” set for an official release on November 3rd, is an interesting piece of music. Melodically, it pays homage to the alt-rock vibes of the late ’80s and early ’90s, infused with a punk rock flavor.
The song’s structure evokes echoes of The Cure’s chart-topping hit, “Friday I’m in Love.” However, “Monday’s Never” diverges from The Cure’s song in its tone and mood. While The Cure’s track exudes softness and hopefulness, “Monday’s Never” treads a somewhat darker path, counterbalanced, however, by a similar light and uplifting melody.
Bryce Connor, one of the band’s creative forces, reveals that the inspiration behind the song stems from the tale of a fictional TV patriarch. While he withholds the name of the show, his not-so-subtle allusion hints at a character “devoid of all shame.” This information sets the stage and offers a glimpse of what’s in store. Connor adds, “The song is dedicated to those of us who may get a bit too carried away on the weekends and wind up paying for it the next day.”
Musically, while “Monday’s Never” is undeniably catchy, boasting intricate instrumentals laden with hooks and harmonies, some listeners (myself included) might have a bone to pick with the vocal delivery. The singer’s exaggerated enunciation of lyrics, reminiscent of the likes of Blink 182, Simple Plan, and Sum 41 (though no one quite takes it to the extreme like Tom DeLonge), might not sit well with everyone. It’s a subjective matter, and I must admit I feel a bit hypocritical saying this, given my penchant for DeLonge’s iconic performances. Nevertheless, in “Monday’s Never,” this particular style of enunciation may come across as slightly out of place; as if they wanted to do it but didn’t want to fully commit to it. If I had one complaint, that would be it.
That being said, I would still suggest giving “Monday’s Never” a listen when it comes out. If you’re interested, you can pre-save the single and be among the first to listen to it. It’s the type of song you can enjoy during your study breaks, infusing some fun and lightness into the post-study moments of overwhelm. I’ll absolutely be on the lookout for their new album when it’s released; I’m excited to see what else they have in store for us!
