Mixed US/UK country music band Jess and the Bandits are back with their brand new album ‘Smoke and Mirrors’. The LP is the follow up to their critically acclaimed 2015 debut ‘Here We Go Again‘.
Speaking about the new record, lead singer Jessica Clemmons says: “I am so excited about this album. I wanted to make sure that the sound grew and developed experimenting a little even. Gospel music is so close to my heart that I knew I needed to bring those elements into this new record. ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ is is a labour of love. A collection of songs that will take the listener on a journey”.
After listening to the LP it’s easy to say that Jess and the Bandits have certainly achieved everything they set out to with their new release. ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ features fourteen new songs, all slightly different to each other.
With shades of Gospel, mixed with toe-tapping country/pop, it definitely showcases the five-piece group’s musical growth since their first album release two-years ago.
The standout tracks include the pop infused ‘I’m Not Going Home’, and the Gospel inspired ‘Sister’, and the brilliant ‘Gone Girl’ which has shades of Maren Morris’ massive hit ‘My Church’. All three tracks show different sides to the country group, and Jess’ vocals are sublime.
Another standout on ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ is the beautiful ‘White Lies’ which has clever lyrics and a classic story that is essential to a country classic.
All in all ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ is a fantastic country album from Jess and the Bandits, with shades of Lady Antebellum and The Shires. With this LP the group have certainly put themselves on the map.
RATING: 4/5.
The full tracklist for ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ is as follows:
I’m Not Going Home
Smoke and Mirrors
World Still Round
White Lies
Kings of Summer
Kiss Me Quiet
Gone Girl
Sister
Start A War
The Bullet
Already Written
Game Changer
Line of Fire
Fault Lines
Make sure you follow Jess and the Bandits on Twitter @JesstheBandits to keep up to date with all their latest music and tour news. ‘Smoke and Mirrors‘ will be released on September 15th and is available to pre-order now!
Are you excited for Jess and the Bandits’ new album ‘Smoke and Mirrors’? Which song[s] are you most looking forward to listening to? Let us know your thoughts over on Twitter @CelebMix.