EP REVIEW: JF Crew Vol 1 – Just Friends

Rock comes in all shapes, sizes, and sounds, heard at its loudest and most brutal, but also at its softest and humblest, as many music fans will know. The genre doesn’t necessarily have to be all loud and thrashing, but when the decision is to take the sound in a softer route, the less in the mix means that it’s open to hear all the work gone into each song. This is the work that has been done with JUST FRIENDS and their EP, JF Crew Volume 1. In just three tracks, the group set out to make a relaxing EP for people, fans and newcomers alike, to enjoy in the start of a strange 2021. How do the group do with each track and the EP overall?

To begin with, the EP starts with an acoustic version of I Wanna Love You. The stripped back nature of the song allows the listener to hear how raw and honest the song is, even within the guitar work, which is played tremendously well. The song itself is sweet, subtle, and just beautiful to sit back and listen. The two vocal lines are blended lovely together, adding genuine heart to the meaning behind the song, and the addition of a trumpet gives the song romantic class. A stunning song to begin the EP.

Secondly, a cover of RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS’ Dosed, which is expertly done. A perfect cover is one that respects the original version whilst creating something new and unique to differentiate it, and this is done in this EP. Adding the vocal line underneath the verses creates a lovely musical layer of voices that is smoothly blended in the mix and creates a new way to hear this song. The chorus is rich and full with the musical accompaniments and effects, as well as all of the vocal lines. It’s one that the band should be proud of, as it should be heralded as amongst the greatest covers done. 

Finally, a remixed version of their song, Fever, featuring a guest vocal spot by Nate Curry. A groovy song, the remix version helps elevate the song with a funky bass line, beautiful vocal harmonies, and greatly blended musical ideas. Listening to this song is like a soft strawberry smoothie – everything blends just perfectly and sips down the eardrums beautifully. The guest vocals are added very well into the song and adds another layer that’s crafted very well into a funky jam and a fantastic end to the EP.

The best criticism of an EP is that it is too short and the desire to hear more from the band is needed once the final track ends. That is the only criticism found here for JF Crew Volume 1 as the three tracks are simply not enough. JUST FRIENDS have done excellent work within these three songs. Even though it’s not completely new material, they are all done extraordinarily well, and with new musical ideas displayed for all to hear and indulge. If there is ever a JF Crew Volume 2, it would be greatly looked forward to, as many great songs, new or redone, would be brilliantly done. Short, but performed and produced perfectly.

Rating: 9/10

JF Crew Vol 1 is out now via Pure Noise Records.

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