Fat Wreck Chords – Release Date: 3/18/16
Last week, Mean Jeans marked their Fat Wreck Chords debut with the release of the Nite Vision seven-inch. The record serves as a preview for their upcoming album Tight New Dimension, which the label will put out in April. Containing three songs in total, (one that appears on the full-length and two that are exclusive) Nite Vision finds the Portland trio sharpening their patented take on Ramones-inspired garage rock. Things get underway with the title track, an ominous entry that features surf rock undertones and a chorus that stomps along with authority. It also contains a gloomy yet melodic guitar lead that helps to solidify the mood of this confident anthem. Up next is “Now I Wanna Be Yr Dogg,” which channels Teenage Bottlerocket but adds extra humor and a noticeably faster tempo. It’s infectiously catchy and does a nice job of showcasing the vocal abilities of singer/guitarist Billy Jeans. The record concludes with “69 Tears,” clocking-in at less than a minute and a half, though still managing to include buzzsaw guitars, skillful drumming and distinctive call and response backing vocals. If these songs are any indication of what’s to come on Mean Jeans’ forthcoming album, then it sounds as though the band has taken their craft to that next level. Check out the song “Nite Vision” below for a sample of what’s in store.
[audio:http://www.jadedinchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Night_Vision.mp3|titles= “Nite Vision”]
