Desoto Jones
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Desoto Jones

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2005 | INDIE | AFTRA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | INDIE | AFTRA
Established on Jan, 2005
Band Alternative Rock

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"Desoto Jones"

"by the this time next year, I guarantee Desoto Jones will be selling out this venue."-(before desoto jones took the stage in March @ The Trocadero in Philly - Joey Mahoney- Top Philadelphia promoter


"Breakout Bands of 2008"

Desoto Jones will have a breakout year in 2008. -Joe Cuello, MTV

Desoto Jones music will be featured on various MTV shows including: "pimp my ride", "newlyweds", "date my mom", "one bad trip" and many more-december 2004.

At this point in time Desoto Jones music is running as background music on 7 MTV programs - Joe Cuello-director of creative licensing @ MTV


"Show Review"

"Desoto’s fans clung to the barriers, singing along with Owen, and savoring every moment and lyric. They had told me to expect an energetic live show, filled with some rock and roll and “non-tight jeans.” Energetic wasn’t the word. The stage show was intense, with constant movement and passion." - Campus Philly-write Brittany Sturges


"Alternative Press Magazine March '08"

KEEPING UP WITH THIS JONES WILL NOT BE EASY. Everything about Desoto Jones is big: big hooks, big harmonies, and an ability to put a big smile on your face during every song on Aurora. They waste no time getting started, either; the anthemic opening track, "Speedbump", is simply booming, gorgeously layered vocals and an epic feel amid the crashing guitars in the background. While their command of midtempo songs is what really stands out, the band's quicker forays meet equal success. "Cap Gun" matches some extremely quick riffing with urgently delivered vocals for a more hard-hitting sound. Desoto Jones are versatile, but throughout the course of the record they don't try to do too much; this continuity is what makes the album. In keeping with the theme, you can expect big things from this band-they're already poised to deliver. 4 out of 5 stars - Jordan Rogowski, Alternative Press Magazine - Alternative Press Magazine


"Aurora Review @ DrivenFarOff.com"

If there is such a thing as an independent “modern rock” record, then this is it! Desoto Jones brings forth solid musicianship, heartfelt lyrics, and a true passion for music that shines through on their sophomore effort, Aurora. Without hesitation the record kicks into high gear, its flow is seamless and the guitar-work is something to be celebrated. Aurora simply does not let up, from its blazing opener to the subtle acoustic-laced ballad “Nonfiction” on through the fitting closer, “Waiting.” I can see this album spanning a vast array of fans, as there really is something for everyone. I couldn’t let this release fly below the radar, and neither should you. Deep Elm Records has begun limiting their releases to 1,000 copies, so be sure to pick up Aurora! - DrivenFarOff.com


"Aurora Review @ IndieUprising.net"

It’s amazing how ignorant “critics” like myself and many others in today’s “blogosphere” can be. I just got done reading another review of Desoto Jones‘ Deep Elm Records debut, Aurora and think the reviewer missed it entirely. (Read it HERE) First of all, this is not a Pop-Punk album (Adam Staszewski on lead guitars can actually riff). This is not an Emo album. Aurora is a Rock & Roll album. Period. Sing-along choruses, passionate lyrics and genuine emotion and care was put into this album to create an exciting and irresistible debut.

While it’s true that Desoto Jones aren’t covering new territory with their music (really . . . who is these days?), they stay true to their influences and create and album that is on par with any great rock album that has come along this past decade so far. Hints of Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, Hot Water Music, and Foo Fighters are obvious, but this doesn’t result in any sort of copy-cat songs. In fact, think of each of those bands’ best albums, throw them in a blender and you can describe Aurora. Fueled with emotion, passion and hope, Aurora is an album you’ll want to re-visit numerous times. - IndieUprising.net


"Um...Drop"

If you don’t like emo, you probably won’t like Desoto Jones. The Philly five-piece wear their oversized heart on their jet-black sleeve, and they’re signed to Deep Elm, the label that gave us not one but 11 volumes of Emo Diaries compilations. To be fair, it’s also the label that helped make Appleseed Cast and Planes Mistaken for Stars household names in the all-ages set, such that anything on Deep Elm carries a seal of approval.

It’s easy to see why Desoto Jones got signed. Their sound is gigantic, with Owen Staszewski’s scrubbed-clean vocals pushed way up front while the rest of the band—including Owen’s brothers Adam and Justin—crash into each other behind him. There are traces of every testosterone-fueled generation of arena titans, from bombastic classic rock to slick latter-day emo.

They aren’t even afraid to cite ’90s alt-rockers Stone Temple Pilots and Third Eye Blind as influences, which may explain the frightful accessibility of their first album Aurora, released a few weeks back. “Nonfiction” has a glossy acoustic twang and loss-of-innocence theme your kid sister could love, whereas the massive hook and universal chorus of “Giant Magnets” almost makes for a country-style sing-along.

Those two have the biggest crossover potential, but Deep Elm adherents will prefer the Promise Ring-ish pop drive of “Don’t Fail Me” and the prog-punk freefall of the opening “Speed Bump.” The lyrics throughout are better than expected, setting the scene the way radio hits are supposed to: “I woke up to The White Album skipping and a sore throat from the cold fan” (“Out of the Blue”).

Aurora may cast its net awfully wide, but that too is expected of mainstream rock releases these days. Besides, Desoto Jones are catchy enough to hopscotch through styles with little cause for complaint. - Doug Wallen - philadelphiaweekly.com


"Aurora Review @TheAlbumProject.net"

My initial reaction to this band was a little bit of fresh air in the middle of a some times stuffy scene. Over the course of a few weeks and getting a chance to get familiar with the bands newest release “Aurora” I’ve come to like it even more.


Desoto Jones plays a mix of a few different styles some of which include punk, rock, and alternative. One of the things that is both a pro and con of the album is the less than stellar sound quality. It’s obvious why it would be a con but at the same time the production quality does lend its self to the style of music the band plays. The quality was something that sort of hit while I was listening to the album on decent speakers and on top of others things the music just did not sound as big, and full as it should. At the end of the day, you may never notice and in that case it doesn’t matter.

One of my personal favorite songs and one that is departure for the band is “nonfiction”. As the song settles into it’s acoustic grove a piano jumps into the mix plucking notes in a calm fashion as the vocals build the song with their honest lyrics. The song should stick out to listeners whether it’s a favorite or not because of it’s attention grabbing style.

I don’t think there is one quote, unquote bad song on the album, but at the same time I don’t think there is a song that is hands down the best one. Some like “Giant Magnets” stick in your head longer with it’s incredibly catchy chorus, or “Sweet Sun” with it’s soaring vocals. Desoto Jones is a band that has a hugely successful road ahead of them and “Aurora” is just the first step. - TheAlbumProject.net


"Aurora Review @ PastePunk.com"

Fearless Records A&R reps pay attention! While you continue to sign pop-rock bands that make critics vomit, a relatively unknown band from the Jersey/Philadelphia area has quietly released what is sure to be one of the top pop-rock records of 2008. The quintet goes by the name DESOTO JONES, and their debut full-length released by Deep Elm is titled Aurora. And they've managed to successfully make a genuine pop-rock album that does everything right.

Upon first hearing Aurora, I was struck by the band's ability to blend charged rock n' roll energy with the gracefulness of melodic pop. While that last sentence may read like the description of a million other bands out there, DESOTO JONES quickly set themselves apart from the pack. Opener "Speed Bump" is a quality introduction to the band: perfect songwriting, incredibly strong vocals, and hooks galore. Additionally, none of it comes off as contrived or out-dated despite the fact they share commonalities with well-seasoned bands like JIMMMY EAT WORLD and THE FOO FIGHTERS. Another band worth noting in the construction of DESOTO JONES is SPITALFIELD. The chorus of "Don't Fail Me" is dead-on SPITALFIELD, matching anything from their brilliant Stop Doing Bad Things. With that band now out of the picture, DESOTO JONES easily has room to grow into the type of band SPITALFIELD always could have become.

"Giant Magnets," the third track, is a bit less propulsive than the two openers, but it is nevertheless another solid song. It's a mid-tempo affair, and while I think the album has one too many moments like this, the band does it well. Take "Nonfiction" for example. Placed smack dab in the middle of the album, this ballad makes use of acoustic guitars and piano, leading one to believe it's the kind of emotional garbage that typically appears on albums of this nature. As the song plays on, though, DESOTO JONES are really convincing and end up writing a song that somehow breaks the monotony of the normal pop-rock routine.

For the most part, the band plays it safe lyrically. There are a few songs that may speak on relationship problems, but the lyricist does it in a respectable manner, mostly talking about his own issues with commitment or finding love ("commitment comes and scares me away again"). "Nonfiction" represents the narrator's loss of innocence: "long ago I used to feel safe beneath this imaginary shield, big and bright/ I stood up straight with confidence that nothing could ever come inside/ the veil is off and now I see the swollen face and crooked teeth of a world less divine." Moreover, "Working Class Daydream" focuses on his battles with his own existence: "to be alive is so exhausting sometimes it's impossible to see the point/ ... / I'm worrying about this life, I'm wondering if I should try/ I'm worrying about this life, over and over/ we will push 'til we're done/ we won't slow down for anyone." As I said, the band keys into issues that are rather safe and relatable on a broad level.

Aurora has it all if you're into pop-rock music. Relatable lyrics, strong vocals, quality instrumentation, and top-notch songwriting. The songs are catchy, memorable, sincere, and worthy of both air-guitar/drumming and singing along. DESOTO JONES make the kind of music that makes me excited to be a fan of music and, more specifically, to be writing about it. Thanks to the band for writing an album that can restore one's faith in rock music any time. - PastePunk.com


"Desoto Jones send a ‘Get Well’ card to rock you into next week"

Rock & roll is alive and well, ladies and gents. Philadelphia-based alt rock band, Desoto Jones, have recently released their latest single ‘Get Well’ to tickle your earholes. Signed by Revolver Records (Sister Sledge, The Stone Roses & Misfits having previously been in their roster), they’re edging toward their latest album release – Regenerator – on 4th November.

I’m almost kicking myself that I haven’t had them on my radar – they’ve been going strong since 2004 & have altered their musical style from the pop punk / emo movement of the late 00s & early 2010s to a rough American rock vibe akin to the Foo Fighters. (And not to dismiss the pop punk movement – I’ve been a fully signed up member since Paramore released Riot! and will probably binge their back catalogue when I’m in need of teenage nostalgia)

The upcoming album came from ‘revisiting old demos though a new lens’ – in this post-pandemic world, I feel like I am just now stitching back parts of my life that became fractured during the past two years. Some of the best work comes from leaving art to ‘cool down’ and then re-record, so I’m excited to delve into this new, regenerated album (see what I did there? I’m here all week…).

But we’re not here to extol the virtues or speculate what is to come. Oh no. We’re here to discuss one thing, and one thing only; Get Well.


Think early 90s grunge/rock with heavy guitar riffs & smouldering, wistful tenor over the top. There’s a gruffness to lead singer Owen Staszewski’s voice, building in intensity until the chorus comes in, crescendo & angst & worry all in one rock package. We end on an unfinished candance; things have not resolved themselves musically, leading us wanting more (perhaps even daring us to hit ‘repeat’).

The video manages to capture their emotional disorientation with the blue filter creating a haze over the band. We have changes of colour matching the intensity of the music, building until the point of climax – but not quite, they’ll leave you wanting more this time around.

Having listened to their other tracks – Always Running, for example, gives me All American Rejects vibes – they play on darker themes & have a heavier, rock melody (with a meatier line for the bass guitar, which I really enjoy). We’ve got lines hinting at unresolved trauma and regret, such as: ‘pick apart the concept of a life well spent / put it back together in the dark / looking glass is flipped and now the only thing you see is your shadow’. There’s shift after the bridge – a moment of peace – until the sea of torment washes over & over, with the repetition of the chorus; ‘we might never get well, we might never come back from the downslide’.

It’s a song to have on in your car, full blast, and be caught screaming out the lyrics by other people at a red light, looking confused at your intense & slightly pained rock face (probably out of tune; the harmony line that comes in on the second verse does some impressive vocal gymnastics). ‘Get Well’ is everything you want & need from a rock song; I hope they continue down this road of heavier rock riffs with their upcoming album, Regenerator.


If you’re feeling like expanding your music taste, check out IAMUR’s other reviews here. For interviews with your next favourite artist, click here. And if you fancy exploring the latest Pick of the Week, get yourself over here. - Iamur.one


Discography

"Self Titled "- EP-November 2003
"The Troubleshooting Is Over" -EP - April 2005
"Stay Awake Stay Alive"- EP - June 2006
"Aurora"-LP- January 2008 Deep Elm Records

"Inward Telescopic" 2011 Hype Music / Viacom

"Shapeshifter" 2012 Get After It Music

"Orb Weaver" 2017 Get After It Music

"Regenerator" 2022 Revolver Records

Photos

Bio

Rock & Roll is still very much alive. You can feel it in the raw energy of Desoto Jones, a band which blends contemporary sound with the roots of American Rock.

The ragged intensity of Desoto Jones is reminiscent of the early days of grunge and alternative, but is also pleasantly sophisticated; the band skillfully fuses ear-grabbing melodies with soulful, introspective lyrics. Their music is an inquest of candid expression, but the band doesn't try to wax philosophic; the lyrics grow from real, relatable experiences.

Their music invokes a sense of nostalgia for the past, travelling deep to touch the most basic human emotions.

Band Members