It’s only been a few months since UK indie darlings Jody and the Jerms released their latest album ‘Wonder’ – their third to date, but the prolific pop-rock stalwarts are already back with a new single, entitled‘Liberation’ . Getting heavier this time around, with music that is rockier and more propulsive than their regular Primitives-meets-The Sundays-esque sound, this song should certainly thrust one’s mind into freer moments – whether they happen this summer or leave you trailing through memories back into the past.
Once again, the band supported the home team by working with fellow Oxford legend Mark Gardener. Based out of his OX4 Sound studio near Oxford, the RIDE frontman produced, mixed and mastered by RIDE frontman
‘Liberation’ is about how the good times make you feel alive and free – and how you want that positivity to last forever. The new 3-minute single sees Jody Jeger’s vocals at the fore, buoyed by the addition of the band’s newest member, Salma Craig, on backing vocals. Blessed with hammond organ, wah pedals and percussion, the band gets deep in rock territory with killer riffs, sass and harmonies.
“A lot of our songs from the two latest albums, ‘Flicker’ and ‘Wonder’, have been called bittersweet – but ‘Liberation’ is something completely different. It’s about how you feel when things are going well, the euphoria you feel, which can be hard to explain or even understand, and the excitement of what comes next,” says frontwoman Jody Jeger.
Niall Jeger adds, “The whole song has a different sound to previous Jerms songs. We played around with different guitar and synth sounds, and also went big on the three-part harmonies that were a lot of fun to record. We had a very productive, creative and happy day in the studio which matches the lyrical themes of ‘Liberation'”.
Championed by the late Janice Long at BBC, among others, Jody and the Jerms is a collective revolving around Jody Jeger (vocals) and Niall Jeger (guitars and vocals) with other band members coming from The Anydays, who have graced the pages of NME, played with Radiohead and Supergrass, and were featured on Mark Radcliffe at BBC Radio 2.
Jody and the Jerms create endearing jangle-pop songs that are both evocative and relatable. Formed in Oxford in 2019, they have been writing, recording and performing their blend of melodic and uplifting indie/ alt rock ever since, having enjoyed national airtime on Radio X (UK), Sirius XM (USA) and RTVE (Spain), as well as BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, BBC Wales and BBC Ulster.
On working with the Jerms, Mark Gardener notes, “In a great way, the music and the people take me to a place and time where music and life felt easier, fresh and less complicated. There is a simple purity, real heart and soul, plus earworm catchy-as-hell tunes in all they do. Always a warm glow pleasure that never felt like hard work or ‘trying to split the atom’ when there’s absolutely no need to as soon as they start playing in the studio we’re back off to that lovely space again.”
As of July 12, ‘Liberation’ is available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where their latest ‘Wonder’ LP can also be ordered on limited edition CD and pink vinyl. Jody and the Jerms are continuing their 48-date summer tour. Check their shows and festival appearances at https://jodyandthejerms.com/live
CREDITS
Jody Jeger – vocals
Salma Craig – backing vocals
Niall Jeger – guitar
Peter James Millson – guitar and backing vocals
Robert Anwood – keys and percussion
Steve Clark – drums
Drew Atkins – bass
Music by Niall Jeger. Lyrics by Jody Jeger
Produced, mixed and mastered by Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound studio
Copyright 2023
TOUR DATES
July 15 BRIDPORT – Jurassic Fields @2:30pm
July 16 ALDERSHOT – West End Centre (for Westival) @3pm
July 22 GUILDFORD – Guildford Beer Festival @7pm
Aug 5 GLOUCESTER – Millwood Cam Festival @7pm
Aug 11 SHREWSBURY – Farmer Phil’s Festival @4:30pm
Aug 31 BLANFORD – Hall & Woodhead @7pm
Sept. 1 WALLINGFORD, OXON – BunkFest Fringe @7pm
Sept. 16 SWINDON – Swindon Arts Centre @9pm
Sept. 24 FARINGDON, OXFORDSHIRE – Great Barn Festival @7:15pm
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