The rope is being pulled in different directions on this one. More rocky. More poppy. More catchy. But more experimental as well. SHark Killers is probably one of my favourite tracks. It takes the piss, but never punches down. Nothing wrong with a bit of feedback. Unauthorised echos mid-era Beatles bassbut stands on its own two feet thanks to the lovely guitar solo; something S-J-R doesn't go in for usually. When it does, it's worth listening to. I like this album because it grunges forward while playing with almost boybandesque tunes. Stick with it as Waiting in the Rain and then Goodbye, kill you with lovely guitar and heartfelt vocals. A voyage of discovery. Lovely.
All songs written by Wright Angol. Arranged and produced by RKYO. Recorded at Oh Vox Studios, Hackney.
Officially released on July 1, 2023, "Two" is S-J-R's second album; although, on first listening, it doesn't seem to show any of the 'difficult second album' facets that undermine many follow-ups at all. In fact, this more pop-orientated piece showcases how the band has grown. The writing, attributed to Wright Angol, there's a pun in there somewhere, is more consistently sure of itself. There are still complicated musical structures on show, especially Kinda Scary, but there is also a joyful adoption of more simple chords and less intricate song structures. With "Two" opening with a setful of rock songs, Side B feels more bluesy than others released by the couple. The rocky feeling never goes away, but the album opens out with more pop-influenced compositions. Electric Lady Lamp kicks the listener out of her complacency though and explores a gritty , grunge-driven blues vibe
Fat guitar and screaming solos are juxtaposed with jangly Telecaster chords and sweeping infinite-sustain melodies. And all the time, Steve J's voice keeps the songs catchy and real.
All songs written by Wright Angol. Arranged and produced by RKYO. Recorded at Oh Vox Studios, Hackney.
Released in April 2022, "one" signifies a debut album two years in the making. Dangerously off-piste in its genre-straddling track listing, it takes on pop, ambient, cowboy, folk, rock, punk and metal, punching well above its weight musically and intellectually. The simple, down-to-earth lyrics and lyrical structures float over complex musical composition The songs showcasing arrangements built on a foundation of 'dum-dum-dum' basslines and locked-off arpeggios. Perhaps the most interesting musical elements are glimpsed in the sweeping infinite sustain guitar lines that soar beautifully or dive into fierce growling grunge and screaming feedback. If you fancy a hit of late-60s rock, 70s punk, 80s chic, 90s electronica and 00s exuberance, you won't be disappointed.
Vocalist Steve J and producer RKYO formed S-J-R in 2020 after a chance meeting on the streets of East London. With a flightcase of diverse influences and experience behind them S-J-R is an experiment, but in a good way. Fundamentally, it's not afraid to play the unexpected, whilst keeping an eye on writing catchy tunes. In another life, Steve played in other people's bands but never felt their direction was the way he wanted to be travelling. RKYO gave up being a guitarist 30 years ago and concentrated on recording dance music and DJing in clubs in London's Soho. He picked up his guitar again four fears ago; S-J-R is the result of this.
Everything S-J-R makes is written and recorded in the People's Republic of Hackney from the comfort of their own studio. Apart from the guitars and electric bass, which are played in real-time, all of the drums, keys and other instruments are programmed. For those who are interested, S-J-R's key kit comprises: Parker, Kramer, Crafter, THC Custom, Yamaha, Sigma and Gibson guitars; Steinberger bass; Roland weighted keyboard; Roland and Behringer drum machines; Pacer, Alesis and Behringer controllers; Native Instruments Maschine; Audio Technica and Shure mics; Focusrite converters; Eventide, XLN Audio and Neural DSP plugins; and Logic Pro.
S-J-R live 2023
We are currently preparing a new live set. Mostly new songs, but a few old ones as well. If you want to find out exactly when and where we will be playing, subscribe to out mailing list – we promise we won't spam you or sell your deets to anyone. And you can unsubscribe at any time.
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