There are those of us who have gone all-in in a certain direction in life, and some of us who’ve maintained a reasonable balance of passion and career. Jake Lee not only falls into the latter for the MNE crew, but defines it. Rocking a successful career in San Francisco yet somehow remaining a loyal and valuable band member in Walter Etc., the guy has been able to pull off living both lives with grace and longevity. We even get to enjoy the annual sip from Jake’s personal creative well on Group Picture, and this year is no let down! Catchy and thoughtful, Jake seems to be pondering said life balance on “Nice, Congrats”. The tune feels like a litmus test for all of our personal growth, especially at the instant classic line “but I know I can’t party / I drink the vino over the Bacardi”. Sad to say I might still be on the Bacardi stage of life.
Bracing post-hardcore meets festival-ready rock on the Tokyo band's sharp new EP, mixed and mastered by Will Yip (Turnstile, Title Fight). Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 8, 2024