"Everything you need is deep within you" with the latest release from Sunshine Rock n Roll outfit, The Justus Trio
The Justus Trio (Sunshine Coast) take flight with their new Self-Titled EP, available everywhere music is streamed or sold July 12th 2024. John Justus, born in Tasmania and raised in America, explores heart break, self-doubt, existentialism, and grit with these songs and the new band (Bailey Walker and Caleb Reno) deliver a solid foundation. Written between the end of 2020 and beginning of 2023, this set of 6 autobiographies broadcasts a determination to find meaning in the post-post modern world and, despite the heaviness that accompanies life in 2024, keep moving forward.
But what does it sound like?
Fans of artists like Jimmy Eat World, Manchester Orchestra, Switchfoot, The Fray, and OneRepublic will find plenty to enjoy on this “Sunshine Rock’n’Roll” outing by The Justus Trio.
Sonically, the record finds the new Trio expanding upon John's prior acoustic offerings with electric guitars, bass, and drums as the backbone, a healthy dose of vocal harmony layers and Bailey’s (Drummer/vocalist/engineer/mixing engineer/band PR) production skills to finish it off. “The Justus Trio” Self-Titled is a hybrid of the live sound the band is known for and a slick, studio production; Caleb Reno’s bass-lines feel effortless, driving the songs and providing countermelodies aplenty, and Bailey’s drumming gives a new energy to the whole project, keeping the songs tight and pacey.
What do the people think?
Rhys Fox from renowned music publication, The Point Music News, had this to say:
“Passionate, truthful vocal delivery, mixed with a no frills production of guitars, bass and drums for full authenticity throughout the whole self-titled EP, with stand-out tracks, ‘All In Good Time’ and ‘Peace and Love (And Rugged Determination) giving hints of The Gaslight Anthem. It’s feel-good singer-songwriter rock n roll from the heart.”
So what's the meaning behind every song?
Distant- This song began its life wearing clothes that could be a Jack White B-Side, but has slowly morphed through different iterations of the band and numerous re-writes. Now, featuring smooth basslines by @caleb.reno.bass and driving drums and haunting harmonies by @baileydrummer, "Distant" finds its stride as a locomotive of a break-up bop. This song kicks off the record with energy and a melancholy that will leave the listener on the edge of their seat.
All In Good Time- The Justus Trio give the full treatment to Justus’ previously released acoustic track - All In Good Time (For You, With Love) - magnifying the song’s message of patience and hope with a sound that, in a word, soars. The lyrics tap into the fears and feelings that all creatives share, e.g. “I just can’t see how any of these pieces will ever fall into place.” The hook will remind anyone who is struggling that whatever is meant to be will happen “all in good time.”
Peace and Love (and Rugged Determination)(PLRD) - A mantra and a sing-a-long at the same time, this song belongs on the festival stage, with a sea of arms raised high in affirmation. There is a spiritual sense to PLRD, equally at home in a cathedral or an open field. If you’re in the market for a catchy manifestation that you won’t be able to forget, look no further than PLRD. Featuring Santiago (John’s nephew) in the intro and outro.
Paperthin Walls - The record takes a turn here, delving back into rocky relationship musings, accompanied by Walker’s racing drums. Reno’s bass and Justus’ guitars enter into a compelling conversation on this one, providing point and counterpoint throughout the song. “Paperthin Walls” is “Distant’s” indie-rock sibling; the songs were written within a few days of each-other, following Justus’s 2021 divorce and subsequent decision to pivot into the world of music as a career path.
Razzberry Gummy Bear - Razzberry Gummy Bear started life as a writing exercise and a gimmick, an early example of Justus’ now famous “Make Up a Song” stunt he performs at shows. A bit of a dark horse in John’s early catalogue, through many revisions and test-runs the existential “RGB” is now a favourite for the band to play live. Metaphors, tempo changes, false starts, and an extended, almost bluegrass outro all give RGB a unique flavour, a palette cleanser at this point in the record.
Make It Through - Make It Through is all about growth. The bookend and anchor of this record, Make It Through starts off with a simple acoustic guitar and vivid imagery, slowly building into a mid-tempo anthem of optimism that can’t help but motivate the listener to keep going. When John was just beginning to consider a pivot from full time therapy work into being a musician by trade, early 2021, this song was born as a helpful reminder to a loved one that things will get better. Bailey Walker, drums and background vocals on this track, notes “It's the only song outside of my own which elicits an emotional reaction when I play it.”