Sheffield-based math rock band Jumper Boy have released ‘Elephants’ – a track that is a firm fan favourite and staple of their live set.
There’s an immediate explosion of snare and guitar – it’s a pure, exciting, vibrant sound – I loved the angular riffs and creative use of different playing techniques – they have a jagged, raw edge – it’s a sound that shakes the bones.
The drums explode like fireworks, creating an immense sound that is punchy and tight. Owen Lyons’s vocal has a rich tone – a slightly lower, velvety sound that has bags of character and fits the track like a glove.
The surgical precision of the band handles the complexity of the melodies with ease, which is handy because the riffs are so sharp they almost draw blood.
You never get a chance to rest as the song pops and crackles between one riff and the next – there is endless variation – it feels like we’re riding a wild stallion.
Lyrically, it’s just as rich and exciting. The band say ‘Elephants’ is about themes such as burnout, mental health, and friendship. In one of the calmer moments, there’s a down-to-earth, conversational tone as Owen sings:
“Come back soon and answer me these three questions:
Are you good?
How’s your sleep?
Are you still taking it week-by-week?”
The calm never lasts, though, and like a storm gathering strength, the band moves as one, and the song ends with alternating hard panned guitars, like a sonic tug of war.
‘Elephants’ is the band’s favourite track so far – and it’s easy to see why.
Written by Grubby
