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Washington, D.C.-based pop-rock group Jonasay brought a fuller rock sound to a special Spring Fling edition of Java Jive.
Featuring acoustic guitars, as well as drums and bass, the band presented a solid set of slightly stripped-down rock, with a tight groove and introspective lyrics.
Immediate comparisons to the Gin Blossoms, Sister Hazel and tourmates Vertical Horizon are apparent, but Jonasay managed to stay fresh, for the most part. Their current tour, and consequently most of the set, supports their latest album, “Spare Dimes for Dust.”
The openers “Goodbye” and “Stay” showcased both singer-guitarist Justin Sheehy’s talented vocal range and songwriting talent. “This CD is about a breakup pretty much,” Sheehy said.
Other early highlights included the well-written “Stay” and a lament on life titled “Gone Away.”
“She wages war with her last cigarette/She’d never quit for anyone/She doesn’t care if I give it up this time/She’d be alone and that would be just fine,” Sheehy sang on “Valentine,” a song about a broken heart and lost love.
The band also performed songs from Sheehy’s first album, including the mellow “We Talk.” Other highlights included “Peter Pan” and a cover of The Pretenders’ hit “Brass in Pocket.”
“Call My Name” featured a pop sound, but lyrics as heartbreaking and depressing as a Dashboard Confessional song. “My hands shake, and my throat it feels so tight/Strapped into this chair for seven days and nights/She walks in dressed in white again/The needle pushes through my skin.”
Sheehy was working on a solo album when he hooked up with old friend and drummer Mile Leech and guitarist Mark Williams. The three enjoyed making music so much they decided to form a band, and later added bassist Michael Alban.
Williams said the biggest difference between an electric gig, the band’s usual format, and an acoustic set was the energy. “A rock and roll thing is more dynamic … acoustic is cool, more intimate and interplay with the crowd.”
The influences both Williams and Sheehy named are apparent in the group’s sound such as The Police, The Beatles, Sheryl Crow and Vertical Horizon.
The group is currently touring and writing songs for a new album. Williams said he loves being in his “own artistic guitar world” on stage, feeding off the audience. “I like reaching people with my lyrics,” Sheehy said. Williams also described his songwriting process as “difficult and non-stop.”
“I have to always be receptive to experiences, anything could be a song,” he said.
Despite a short set that seemed at times to run together, Jonasay managed to turn down their sound without losing any of their intensity or form. Well-crafted pop-rock songs with lyrics on love and loss are not new, but the band managed to sound fresh and inviting. The acoustic guitars blended well with the edgier drums and bass, and Williams’ lead playing was a nice complement. Sheehy was also impressive with his vocal range and emotion.
“We thank our lucky stars every day that we get to do this,” Williams said.
Bangor Daily News