Um, Jennifer? - “Went On T”
Photo by Sarah McDonald Photography
New York City-based indie rock duo Um, Jennifer? have just released the atmospheric “Went On T.”
Driven by the solid anchor of bass and dry, syncopated, yet punchy drums, “Went On T” has a pleasing, minimalist post-punk vibe with lots of space for all the musical elements to breathe. Staccato rhythm guitar playing fills out the groove over the verses, creating a lush sense of swagger and movement. These layers become increasingly angular, jagged, and subtly dissonant as the track progresses, creating a pleasing sense of tension.
Um, Jennifer? never build these layers to feverish, scratchy heights that overpower the groove. Instead, they create pleasing releases over the more sonically dense choruses, perfectly suited to getting the crowd singing at the top of their lungs during a gig. Vocally, the duo deliver a detached, nonchalant, and unpolished performance that perfectly suits the mood of “Went On T,” yet there are many moments of expressive theatrics, which only make the band more endearing.
Speaking on the new song, the band adds: “‘Went On T’ is the indie rock anthem calling you back home to yourself. It’s about taking your own body back from those that claim to love you. It’s a reminder not to take on anybody else’s shit.”
Um, Jennifer?’s idiosyncratic, melancholic sound is completely exhilarating. “Went On T” comes hot on the heels of their superb debut EP, The Girl Class. Catch them live at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC on Friday, August 16th, supporting Pan Arcadia.