‘Physical Surveillance’ (order here) today on Nice Swan Records!
The debut album from L.A.’s Jagged Baptist Club is a bundle of energy and attitude. The band describe themselves as like Blur and Public Image Ltd trying to cover The Rapture and Happy Mondays while Division Of Laura Lee and The Vines throw tomatoes at them.
Physical Surveillance is about letting old habits, old realties and old selves die. It’s about moving forward, growing upwards and trying to focus on the present and look towards the future. It’s about realizing that you can become a better version of yourself and that it’s OK to close the book on your past, in a way that doesn’t erase the past but at least puts it under glass. It’s also just really fun to listen to.
Detailing their second LP reveal, enigmatic frontman Blake Stokes explained: “I just imagined Shaun Ryder writing the screenplay for a Crank movie, just a collection of wild scenes and surreal images, again keeping it simple. See you in the pit, let’s get to shoving.”
Having travelled to Joshua Tree, Calif., in 2023 to record with esteemed producer Alex Newport (At the Drive-In, Bloc Party, City and Colour), the frenzied quartet are primed to build on early plaudits from key indie champions, and considerable radio support. On the live front, the band will be showcasing their new material at a series of L.A. shows, building on previous shows alongside English Teacher and Sprints.”
Having recorded their upcoming full-length in Joshua Tree California with esteemed producer Alex Newport (At the Drive-In, Bloc Party, City and Colour), the raucous quartet have already won plaudits from key indie champions (Rough Trade), as well as radio support across the BBC 6 Music (Steve Lamacq), KCRW, and Radio X (John Kennedy) airwaves. Meanwhile on the live front, the four-piece have several LA shows lined up throughout the autumn, following previous shows with English Teacher and SPRINTS (2024 West Coast US tour support).
Jagged Baptist Club Online
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Spotify
Blake Stokes (lead vocals, guitar), Morgan Ponder (drums, percussion), Josh Boyd (synths, backing vocals), CJ Ramsey (bass, backing vocals)