Josie McQueen - shed some light

Josie Mcqueen

Shed Some Light
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Jesse Weygandt (guitar), Aaron Duda (guitar and vocals), Jon Willard (drums) and Matthew Cooper (bass) make up the alternative rock band Josie McQueen. They formed in 2012 and recently released a five-song EP entitled Shed Some Light, which has high production value and rocks out pretty hard. Truth be told Josie McQueen isn't making songs that are reinventing the wheel by any stretch of the imagination but that's’ not really what I think they were trying to do when making these songs. If you want to listen to five well written rock songs with a good amount of energy than this could be your ticket. The technical and creative prowess is notable from each of the members of the band. Duda’s voice usually presides in a high octave that soars while the guitar wail, the drums crash and the bass creates a solid foundation. 

The band kicks things off with “Get Lost.” It starts off with a couple of clean guitars being picked and some notable vocal work by Duda. The melody is simple and hypnotic and not before too long the drums and bass are introduced. It doesn't take much time for the band to turn on the distortion and deliver a rocking chorus. The band delivers a heavy dose of pop punk not unlike that of Jimmy Eat World on “Believer” while “Why Are You Down?” delivers the most anthemic chorus on the EP.

The band saves the best for last with “Finished.” I felt the band had this 80’s rock vibe going on during this song. I’m pretty sure it was emanating from the most memorable vocal performance on the album. I couldn't help but rock alongside the band during the chorus when Duda sings “And who do you think you are, where do you think you're going Im not finished with you yet.”

While this music may not be everyone’s cup of tea they do justice to the genre and deliver some solid songs along the way. Shed Some Light is a well-executed EP that showcases the talent of the band.

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