We Speak Music

Jersey Calling Share New Album ‘Parasocial Security’

Published

1 year ago

December 18, 2023

Punk-rock group Jersey Calling, which was founded in 2002 by Randy, Josh, and Sean, put out two albums before calling it quits in 2005. They got back together in 2020 during the pandemic, with Victoria on vocals and a new drummer. They released their third album ‘Punk Rock Retirement’ (2020) and re-released their first two albums as a double album called ‘Daddy Re-Issues’ (2021) on all streaming services. ‘Parasocial Security’, their fourth album, marks their comeback.

To date, ‘Parasocial Security’ is their most ambitious record. They examine issues of loss and loneliness while also finding comfort in the close bonds they have with one another, their friends, and their family.

All the classic punk elements are present in this ten-track album, which features a vocalist whose voice is reminiscent of the punk icons of the ‘90s, as well as power chords and catchy riffs supported by a driving bass and drumbeat.

‘Gods & Cowboys’ is about colonization – of land, of mind, and of spirit – how their history affects how they live today.

‘Content’ is about being an artist in the age of social media.

‘The Things Life Leaves Behind’ is about the loss of a loved one, and reflecting about their own mortality as they grieve.

‘Twisted Paradigm’ is about toxic relationships and knowing when and how to set boundaries.

‘Backseat Driver’ is about feeling a lack of control over one’s own life, and claiming autonomy over their decisions.

‘Mid-life Crisis’ is about aging as a musician, and how that affects their mindset and songwriting.

‘Self-Will Run Riot’ is about struggling to survive under late-stage capitalism.

‘Heartstrings’ is about finding love in the face of personal struggles and global disharmony.

‘Queen of the Unclean’ is about having agency in choosing one’s identity.

‘Hasta Luego’ is about casting off the shackles of authoritarianism and fighting against the systems of control that hold them back from their full potential.

On the album, Jersey Calling comments, “Our most ambitious album to date, ‘Parasocial Security’, explores themes of isolation and loss, while simultaneously finding solace in the personal relationships we’ve found in each other and our friends and family.”

We Speak Music

Joshu’s Soulful Voyage Into Identity and Place In ‘Way Back Home’

Published

11 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Philomena Marie

Indie-folk artist Joshu’s latest EP, Way Back Home, is a captivating exploration of belonging, identity, and the search for self. Following a painful breakup, Joshu embarked on a life-changing journey across the Atlantic Ocean, retracing the path from his birthplace to the island of Antigua, where he grew up. The EP serves as an emotional reflection on his voyage, filled with personal revelations and introspective moments that resonate with anyone who has ever felt a sense of disconnection or longing for home.

The title track, “Way Back Home,” encapsulates the feeling of isolation and the emotional weight of Joshu’s journey. Its haunting melody and tender vocals draw the listener into his personal reflections on belonging, and what it means to find peace in one’s place. As Joshu sailed across the vast ocean, he questioned his identity as a second-generation white man in the Caribbean, pondering the concept of home and how we form connections to the places that shape us.

Over the course of five deeply reflective tracks, Joshu delves into themes of identity and place, all while challenging the notion of home as a static concept. His vulnerable lyrics invite the listener to ponder the same questions: is home where you’re born, or where you’re raised? How do we cultivate a sense of belonging in a land that may never fully feel like home? The EP, though deeply personal, is a universal meditation on human connection in an increasingly fragmented world.

Written and self-produced in the intimate surroundings of Antigua, Way Back Home, showcases Joshu’s growth as an artist. His delicate vocals are supported by lush, minimalistic arrangements, creating a warm, introspective atmosphere. The production highlights his ability to blend folk sensibilities with subtle Caribbean influences, crafting a sound that is uniquely his own. As both a producer and songwriter, Joshu’s skillful handling of mood and emotion shines through, making this EP a poignant and captivating listen.

Yet, Way Back Home, is more than a personal exploration; it’s a reflection on the broader human experience. Through his delicate storytelling and heartfelt music, Joshu explores the universal longing for connection and the quiet grief that comes with feeling displaced. In a world where so many of us feel disconnected from the places and people that define us, Way Back Home, is a beautiful reminder of the power of music to heal and reconnect.