The guys in Australian alt-rock band Bones and Jones have wasted no time in making 2024 a stand-out year. They recently dropped the experimental In Blue, an EP that marks a shift in sound for the group. Different from past projects like their previous album, Love You, and their highly acclaimed sophomore album, Ginger Gold (Farm Singles), In Blue leans more indie and synth-rock than folk and garage rock. The change comes just in time for their big US debut at SXSW this year, where they will perform the songs from In Blue at several showcases. It also comes ahead of their upcoming tour with The Grogans this spring, which will find them rocking out around Australia. If you are going to attend any of these shows, you may want to familiarize yourself with their songs now so that you can sing along with Bones and Jones when the time comes.
The EP starts out with “Need It,” a fuzzy indie rock homage to growing up and choosing between what you want and what you need from life. Its bright yet hazy sound is reminiscent of The Strokes, giving us retro and modern at the same time. On the following “Every Morning Every Evening” we hear why love is hard to find from time to time. The melodies rise and fall throughout the track, mirroring the act of sighing and making the mood all the more bittersweet. Shades of rock and folk come through when we hear lines like, “It’s this feeling of bliss / I just can’t help but miss / When I’m craving your kiss / Got no choice than say bye-bye,” leaving us wanting more.
On “In Ya Nature,” the band taps into a vibrant, anthemic sound. The driving guitars and forward-moving vibes of the percussion evoke a rebellious spirit, even though we hear about a fading youth in the lyrics. Still, the good vibes carry on into “Simple Passion,” which closes the project. Here, we reflect on personal identity, especially when connecting with others. Guided by a half cosmic, half country production, the band offers an idea that we can all get back to a good place, which is echoed in the lines, “Show all the people exactly who you are again” and “I’m no longer human / I’m no longer me / I’m no longer someone / I wanna be / Simple passion.”
You can listen to In Blue on platforms like Apple Music, SoundCloud, and Spotify.
Grab tickets to see Bones and Jones on tour here.
Find Bones and Jones performing at SXSW on the following dates:
March 12 at International Day Stage, 6 p.m.
March 13 at Zilker Brewing presented by Penny Loafer, 7 p.m.
March 15 at Lucille’s presented by Australia House (time TBD)
Keep up with Bones and Jones: Instagram // Facebook // TikTok // YouTube // Website
