East Nashville's The JAG has announced the self-release of Pondermental Wonderment In Hypocricity on October 23rd. Produced and Mixed by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff) at his Bomb Shelter "Analog Studio Wonderland" in Nashville, the full-length sophomore LP features eight new stimulating tracks of stylistic experimentation with world music and genre-defying influence.
Pondermental Wonderment In Hypocricity was recorded live to 2-inch tape. For the opening track "Free & Cheap", guitarist Joe Regan learned and performed the song backwards using a reverse track. Lyrically, lead singer and writer Aaron Tyler King says, "There is nothing serious about this record, it's a part of my nihilistic viewpoints. I've changed every year since I was 18." Adding, "Sonically, every song is different."
The release is the follow up to the Jackson, MS formed band's debut album Mississippi Acid Pine Highway Tour that gained attention from Paste magazine, who featured them as one of "12 Mississippi Bands You Should Listen To Now." View the video for "White Horse" HERE.
The JAG has received comparisons to the Talking Heads and David Bowie, which referred to by King is "The highest form of a compliment, people actually noticing what you're into." He adds, "We're trying to progress to where that comparison isn't made anymore. Our live show is the embodiment of the transformation, that people hear it on the record and in the live show, it means we're on the right path."
The band is known for their psychotropic live performances. Grace Potter (of Grace Potter & The Nocturnals) took notice of the band in 2012 at The Howlin' Wolf in New Orleans. After dancing through the band's set, Potter arranged for The Jag to open a sold out 9:30 Club show in Washington, DC with a short east coast run following.
Founding members King (lead vox, guitar), Regan (guitar, vox) and Gant O'Brien (bass, vox) met in high school in their hometown before moving to Nashville while seeking a drummer. During a house party in their basement, Scott Harper (drums) jumped over the fence of the back yard and "literally fell into the party", solidify his place in the band. With the addition of reappearing musician Nick Vallas (percussion) the current lineup was completed.
Stay tuned for more announcements soon!
