Concert Review: The Bones of J.R. Jones Are Revived At Mercury Lounge
The Bones of J.R. Jones took Mercury Lounge on a religious experience. I know I often talk about society or spirituality, but The Bones of J.R. Jones blends the rough and tumble nature of religion and humanity gnawing sense of feeling lost. In essence, he sounds like a voodoo experiment of rock n’ roll, while offering lyrics that show no experiment could be as dark or as exhilarating as the one we call life.
Celebrating the album release of Ones To Keep Close, The Bones of J.R. Jones felt like a True Blood episode. Rousing choruses, “stomp your feet” melodies, and guitar riffs that could split diamonds in half, I kept on thinking of Sookie and Bill, somewhere in Louisiana, running from demons and falling for angels. It is a poignant image considering JR Lindaberry, a.k.a The Bones of J.R. Jones, kept on using references to the Bible, dark spells, hammers, nails, and blood to paint the difficulty of letting go of your losses so that they do not define your gains.
Yes, I know the imagery Lindaberry uses can be mystically grim, but that is how it feels when you think the universe is against you. Tracks like “Sinner Song”, “Burden”, and “The Drop” showed how bitterness can fragment how you receive joy and love; causing you to prepare for its leave even as its presence is abound. Such a sentiment or mindset is universal, but Lindaberry’s voice smokes it like tobacco. He rolls his notes in mud to give a “wretched”, earthbound feel that every human being/ sinner carries. Everyone, at least once, thinks they are unworthy of joy, their sins are their core definition, and that hopelessness is rightful. Yet, Lindaberry wants to overcome such ideas, and his voice certainly helps you rise.
From “Bless My Soul” to ”I See You”, The Bones of J.R. Jones blessed us with a soul reviving night. He brought Nashville hard rock to New York City, and we all were living for the it. While Lindaberry hails from New York, he gives Southern Rock an NYC zest. For More Information on The Bones of J.R. Jones Click Here.
