HomeMusicReview: Jersey Jersey “The Battles Just Begun” (Fueled By Ramen)When someone says Jersey, I think of Newark airport and that awful smell that seems to hover everywhere in that state. Im pleased to say that now Ill have an image for the word that doesnt completely stink. Ok, picture this: Unwritten Law after a couple shots of testosterone, add a chick to sing occasionally and youve got Jersey, the band. This is by no means a put down. These guys are punk- a bit on the girly side at times, like when theyre singing, At school, you were looking so fine, youre the only girl for me. But hey, San Diego is the land of Blink 182, so we shouldnt really point fingers. The Battles Just Begun is sung by the female quarter of the band and Ill be goddamned if she isnt one of the long lost members of the Go-Gos. There are a few more pure-bread, punk songs on The Battles Just Begun. Songs like Glass Dick and 809 are evenly balanced on that fine line between new and old-school punk, but when it comes down to it, how much originality can a band in this genre create? Sometimes they sound like Pennywise, sometimes Im thinking Green Day in the 1000 Hours era, sometimes they jump the ska-wagon. Just imagine any variety on the punk sound that youve ever heard and youve got the eclectic mix on Jerseys The Battles Just Begun.
