5.18.2012

FYM ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: MEAN JEANS • PUNK ROCK FROM PORTLAND OREGON USA


You know a punk band is in store for exceptional things when they garner interest from the ladies. The Mean Jeans have apparently done just that, -last Friday the Funhouse was packed with a large female ratio in attendance at our favorite punk dive. The Mean Jeans have earned their accolades and seem to have a great time doing it. From the first time I heard this band I was wicked pumped. They have catchy sing-a-long tunes about partying and their own little world of inside jokes with their crew, -which I can relate to and appreciate (as a musician). Watch their already classic single Steve Don't Party No More off the Mean Jeans debut Are You Serious? below:



The Mean Jeans sound has progressed over the years from pounding 4/4 drum beats and catchy vocal hooks to a band with multiple dimensions, guitar layering and three part vocal harmonies. The vibe stays the same but the music has a much added dimension. The new record is a departure from the first full length and 7in's with a conceptual aspect. You can see how the band truly cares about song structure and moving forward as a unit while still having fun. The place was packed last Friday night and the energy was high -like any great show should be, full of crowd surfing and rowdy times (I even lost my camera in the pit).

The new record On Mars is full of different types of tunes running the gamut of things from outer-space to partying and a few love tunes mixed in there too. My favorite stand out track- 2 Twisted 2 Luv U is a departure from the Mean Jeans fast tempo punky numbers yet evokes a nostalgic vibe with it’s funny love lost lyrical content. The line I made a lot of mistakes like I always do, made a lot of mixtapes did they work on you? -reminds me of high school lost loves and great friends in childhood. The song is reminiscent of the stripped-down Ramones ballads of the early years like I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.


Don’t worry the record still has high tempo punk rock n' roll numbers and there isn’t a bad tune on it. This is a band that if they choose, will be around for a long while as they catch an ever growing buzz. I wish these fellas the best on their tour and future endevours. Brings me back to the good days when punk shows were a big party with everyone getting along. Buy the Mean Jeans new record HERE. Cheers, FYM. (words by 'Boston Brian' Fernandes of Seattle punk band SMJ)

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