7.8
Contact: npfrancecamp@gmail.com
Web: jjsweetheart.bandcamp.com/album/big-things
Seeking: Label, Booking
Style: Indie, Dreampop, Lo-Fi
JJ Sweetheart is the solo project of Minneapolis musician Jay Simonson, and he describes it as “a mix of garage rock, psychedelic vibes, and twanginess.” That’s correct; there’s a deliberate garage tinniness to the production which only enhances the lo-fi vibe. The juxtaposition of that and the Weezer-esque melodies and mildly emo lyrics helps JJ Sweetheart stand apart from the crowd. Simonson really lets rip on “Heart Medal,” a song which simultaneously tugs on the heartstrings and gets the feet tapping. That’s a tough high wire to balance on, but JJ Sweetheart accomplishes it with aplomb.
