Band: JBNG; Musicians: Jaben Groome: Vocals; Alejandro Yoshizawa: Lead Guitar; Jonathon Goldie: Rhythm; Tim Charman: Bass; and Matt Coopman: Drums

Song: ‘So Nice,’ Music Video Released: September 28, 2024; Single Released: October 1, 2024; Featured on the Album ‘Run,’ Released: November 1, 2024; Producer: David Ziehr at Echoplant Studios

The people who thrive the most in life are those who reflect on the path their life has taken with the person they truly love. In the process, they realize that together, they can overcome their darkest moments and stand as one. That powerful recognition drives ‘Run,’ the second album from the Vancouver-based band, JBNG.

The striking 10-track, grunge-punk-rock LP serves as the follow-up to JBNG’s first record, ‘Meh,’ which was released just a year before their sophomore effort. Both albums show the group’s eagerness to explore new styles and genres in their songs. That versatility allows their tunes to feel both distinct and cohesive.

One of the band’s leading singles from ‘Run’ is the grunge-heavy, rock-infused anthem, ‘So Nice.’ The track channels the raw energy of the earlier work from the group, which is led by stellar vocalist, Jaben Groome. The singer’s tones and lyrics on the song help anchor the group’s vulnerabilities and relatability. His raspy timbre ensures that even the most experimental moments on the tune resonate with listeners.

JBNG’s ability to connect with their audience goes beyond the enthralling, nostalgic instrumentals from Groome’s bandmates, especially on the guitar and drums. ‘So Nice,’ which would have fit perfectly into the post-grunge and rock era that flourished in the late 1990s and early 2000s, thrives on the vocalist’s deeply personal contemplations of his life.

Groome’s journey as a singer is driven by his desire to find healing and peace in his relationships and experiences. His vocals add a deeply moving sense of intimacy, authenticity and vulnerability to the track, which has become a trademark of the band’s music.

The music video for ‘So Nice’ is a visually alluring cinematic ode to a romantic couple overcoming the trials and tribulations of life to remain together. While set against JBNG’s gritty vocals and instrumentals, which are comparable to such similar rock bands as Soundgarden and The Replacements, the video for ‘Run’ ultimately proves to e a colorful tribute to the bubblegum pop/punk genre.

The video follows a young couple as they begin dating in the 1950s era. Their initial connection is captured in crackling black and white cinematography that immolates the old-time feeling of the period.

Color then infiltrates the video at approximately the 40 second mark to highlight how they appreciate the excitement of the evolving love they have together. As Groome croons his appreciation of their time together, as he knows they could have lost their connection at any point, the video then delves into their continued happiness into their older years.

The ‘So Nice’ single and its accompanying music video feature Groome’s raspy vocals, which give a vulnerable and emotional edge to the various styles he and his bandmates created for their second LP. The vocalist’s unique voice and creative lyrics, which are backed by distinctive guitar chords and drum beats, ground JBNG’s sound in the grunge genre. The group’s bold approach to the nostalgia of the late ’90s and early 2000s is a striking ode to the power of authenticity and creative exploration.

‘Run’ and its uniquely sentimental rock anthem, ‘So Nice,’ mark an exciting new chapter for JBNG. The record and single embrace the musicians’ creative freedom while also staying true to their roots. Overall, the group’s latest project blends nostalgia with a modern sensibility that feels distinctively their own.

For more information on JBNG, visit their Official Website, as well as their Facebook, X, Instagram, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube pages.