jr+sons

Drawing their name from the hipster-hating East Williamsburg bar next to their rehearsal space, Jr and Sons developed while John Connell was playing drums with indie pop tunesmiths Jerkwater in the late 90's. Still playing with Kings County Queens, John continues working as a versatile drummer and vocalist. His work with Skycam, Cementhead, and Blasco Ballroom, (featuring Interpol's touring keyboardist in front) allowed for a diverse experience ranging from punk to indie and cabaret. Slow Whitey, also with F.A Blasco found John moving from drums to keys to guitar in a single set.

Playing in as many as four bands at once can be unruly and when an opening came in the summer of 2004, John began to dedicate more time to his own music. He asked Todd Kovner (Truckee) and Steve Decroes (Skycam) to help create his new band. The drummer and bassist bring a singularity to the sound and a tight rhythm section for the drummer/guitarist to spar with.

Rock and Roll luminary B.P. Fallon called Jr and Sons' music "Contagious pure pop for now people with harmonies like The Beach Boys on a bender." For a trio, the band manages to cram a respectable amount of vocal harmony into their short vigorous pop songs.

While many of the band's main influences revolve around 90's rock and indie, their music recalls the songwriting of Paul Westerberg and Bob Mould. Ever-failing relationships and tales of fighting and accepting helplessness can be found throughout the lyrics which are often delivered with more buoyant melodies than the context might suggest.

They are out playing numerous shows this summer in New York, and plan to record their debut EP simultaneously. As the live shows capture their energy, so too will the recording, most of which will be recorded live in the studio, capturing a sound that defines their music.