Reviews

For a band today to be genuine, eclectic, and true to their genre in the sense that they don’t let the modern typicality of it hold them back from pursuing innovation is beyond rare, it’s nearly unheard of. Today, in a time that “punk rock” is a term that’s lost most of its value and meaning to anyone true to the words, a breath of fresh air is welcome whenever it comes. And today, ladies in gentlemen, it comes in the form of Philedelphians Jena Berlin.
 
A flat out balls to the wall rock band with punk and hardcore influence, Jena Berlin brings a hectic style that isn’t seen enough nowadays in mainstream music, going from soft,  soothing bridges to screaming riffs with thrashing percussion and gut wrenching, wailing vocals sure to keep the listeners attention. Staying true to what they believe, their name itself comes from the Marxist principles of the exploited working class. And in their full length “Passion Waits as the Program Keeps Going”, they stay true to their beliefs in style over substance.
 
Listening through the CD, I saw a definite Refused influence coming through in their music. From the first track “I should Have Been a Painter”, their relentless and unflinching musical style breaks through the speakers with an At the Drive In esque snappy percussion and guitar part, leading into a rhythmic snare and hi hat beat, accented by bass drum with steady guitar chords. This gives brief way for high pitched guitar riffs with smooth overlying vocals with background screams reminiscent of the heavy hearted ones of early Alexisonfire.
 
The CD changes pace without losing momentum, leading into “Truth About Liars”, which is a little softer around the edges; but still keeps its energy. Their hectic; but yet without clutter, style is one that will drag you in and keep you listening for the mere reason of seeing where the song leads next.
 
Maybe the best song on the CD (not to say it wasn’t all around good), “Dreamers Without Action” provides deep lyrics with complex spastic percussion that doesn’t let up throughout the song. Between that and “I should Have Been a Painter” and every track in between, I’d say this was an overall amazing CD.
 
No matter what kind of music one might enjoy, “Passion Waits as the Program Keeps Going”, won’t let listeners down as the up and coming band shatters expectations and sets a new standard for new rock artists trying to break through. The CD really wasn’t what I expected at all, but I can’t say it wasn’t a pleasant shift in pace. I’m giving it five stars, and I’d recommend any music fan pick it up for a listen.