Low Fidelity: AJJ Album Review

Hot off the heels of the release of the glorious weird-indie opus “The Bible 2,” (Side One Dummy Records) the formerly folk-punk band formerly known as Andrew Jackson Jihad embarked on a tour with longtime peers Joyce Manor, who happened to be promoting their most recent effort as well, “Cody” (Epitaph Records).

With a medley of sounds sure to excite folk-punk-anarchists and dyed-hair emo fans alike, the tour stopped in Los Angeles for a two-night swing also featuring punkers Toys That Kill. The San Pedro band kicked off the night with a set featuring heavily from their 2016 record “Sentimental Ward.” Fans were quick to mosh, and although there was a definite lack of mohawks or studded jackets, punk vibes were certainly prevalent.

After a short break, AJJ took the stage to much applause. Frontman Sean Bonnette, in charmingly awkward fashion, introduced his band, thanked Joyce Manor, and launched into the first track from “The Bible 2,” entitled “Cody’s Theme.” Despite the lack of distorted guitars and d-beats, the pit formed immediately as fans screamed their heart out to biting lyrics, almost hilarious in their sarcastic depressive gloom.

For whatever reason, self-proclaimed “least important member of AJJ,” a.k.a. cellist Mark Glick, did not perform with his band, instead handling merchandise duties, leaving AJJ to perform as a stripped-down four-piece. Nonetheless, they didn’t miss a beat, cranking out fan favorites such “Distance,” “Hate Rain on Me,” and “Brave as a Noun” to an enthusiastic and emotional response. Although the set leaned much more heavily towards punkier and faster songs, leaving their trademark closer “Big Bird” for another night, AJJ were thoroughly unique and delivered the best show I’m sure to see all of 2017.