Album Review: Blue Circle, Rubber Bands – JSB Squad

The JSB in Detroit’s JSB Squad stands for the initials of front man Jesse Shepherd-Bates who also plays bass in Mick Bassett & the Marthas. However, JSB Squad is more then just an outlet for Shepherd-Bates as he brings together a massive collective of talented Southeast Michigan musicians into both the studio and on stage (29 and counting). JSB Squad can be quite literally looked at as Detroit’s version of Broken Social Scene which includes members of such local bands as The Laughing Man and The Satin Peaches

Awhile back, I received a link to the debut album from JSB Squad titled Blue Circle, Rubber Bands. What is utterly fabulous about this album is its range, which rivals that of Peter Yorn or Shudder to Think. Throughout the albums ten tracks you will find a vehicle for time travel. You will hear the best from the ages of rock, soul and pop. From the beautifully arranged pop of “Sunlight,” the loungy folk of “Factors of Astrology,” the barbershop quartet of “Ezekiel’s Habitat,” the aggressiveness of “Battling Hindsight,” the grungy “Head In the Sand,” to the classic rock underpins of “????”, the album is covered with the masterful topping of Shepherd-Bates’ vocals, which have moments of brilliance in line with Jeff Buckley and Cinjun Tate of Remy Zero.

Jesse Shepherd-Bates’ musical prowess is real one of the hidden gems of the current Detroit scene. I suggest you download Blue Circle, Rubber Bands and then seek out one of JSB Squad’s “legendary” live shows.

Featured Track:
“Head In The Sand”