INFECTIOUS ROCKERS INCORPORATE EXPERIENCE INTO SOPHOMORE STANDOUT

Four years ago Jonezetta nearly packed its bags and called it quits. But thanks to the gentle prodding of their manager and fellow rockers As Cities Burn, the spirited ensemble stayed put, spent some time hunkering down and tuning up and eventually earned Tooth & Nail’s largest new artist offer to date. Not bad for a band born out of its high school days in Clinton, Mississippi.

Now, only two years after the release of its full-length dance rock debut, Popularity, Jonezetta mixes it up with Cruel to be Young. Flavorful instrumentation and colorful composites of band, vocals, melody and rhyme make certain Jonezetta’s second go-around is nothing short of stellar.

Originally touted as a Killers and Franz Ferdinand combo, the quintet (keyboardist Tyler Kemp was added last year) has quieted its former flash with a rich indie sound that serves the band added dimension and matures its appeal five to 10 years.

While keeping enough synthesizers to tribute the ’80s and pop/punk subtleties to draw the younger youth, Jonezetta’s lead singer Robert Chisholm cites Isaac Brock’s (Modest Mouse) vocal tendencies. The spunky troupe trades the dance emphasis for subtle pulses along the lines of Death Cab for Cutie. And former Pedro the Lion lead singer David Bazan’s guest vocal is a perfect allusion to the gritty difference between Cruel to be Young and Popularity.

So much of Cruel to be Young sounds so right, and detailing all the highlights would fill a small volume. It’s not surprising Jonezetta is so musically sophisticated, but it’s startling to discover a Christian band that seems to be emerging with its own unique brand of rock. –Andrew Greer