jxdn

Album review by Brittany Ormiston

Photo by: Hunter Moreno

After years of hardship and weathering through various trials and tribulations, singer-songwriter jxdn is settling into a new normal. Throughout the journey, he has been putting himself back together piece-by-piece while garnering the wisdom and hopefulness to face his future. The release of his sophomore album, WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS, is a testimony to his supporters and to the world that it does get better. jxdn considers the body of work to be his “love letter to rock music” as a thank you for changing his life. The 17 tracks reveal a mature sound fused with familiar traces of his debut album released three years ago. The live instrumentation is similar to that of a 2000s pop-punk album, aka a nice warm hug. 

jxdn’s signature is to release theme songs to drown out the haters because who needs them anyways *puts up middle fingers.* ‘IT MUST SUCK TO KNOW YOU’ is metalcore, and delivers  heavier sonic themes within jxdn’s vocals to close out each chorus. jxdn continues onwards with the f*** you mentality with ‘SH!T’ as he sings about feeling instantly miserable at the sight of that particular person. The confidence that carries through his vocals in ‘WRECK ME’ is astronomical. The electric guitar riffs and drum loops intensify during the chorus to create an adrenaline rush for the listener. ‘SH!T’ and ‘WRECK ME’ both translate seamlessly to a live show as both were included in the setlist on jxdn’s last tour in 2023.

Behind jxdn’s tough outer core is a sensitive, emotional soul. He let this side of him shine through at various points throughout WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS. With the strum of the acoustic guitar, jxdn’s soft spoken yet raspy vocals lead the way during ‘BACCARAT.’ The title of the track is not mentioned in the song, but is a popular card game in the gambling world. This reference could go many directions, and jxdn leaves it up for the listener to interpret as he sings about a relationship slipping through his fingers. He begs this person to open up, and attempts to knock down the walls they have built around themselves in ‘HOW FAR.’ “Your beauty is poison, sharp as a knife” is a chill-worthy lyric that stops listeners in their tracks. The high notes during the outro are exquisite and deliver the emotional message even further.   

Aside from songs describing heartbreak and pain, jxdn scatters lyrics of sanguinity and the assurance of a silver lining throughout several tracks. During the verses of ‘STRANGER,’ jxdn asks rhetorical questions before admitting he feels uncanny too. Listeners find comfort in this track because it feels as if jxdn is sitting nearby through tough times to make them feel less alone. “Just let it all out, just be yourself now,” sings jxdn in the second verse with sincerity in his voice. The album ends with the title track to emphasize how much music has saved jxdn’s life and will continue to. With a softness to his tone, the song begins with “Oh darlin // Please don’t worry // Life gets better” which cues instant tears. The morbidity of the instrumentation with the glimmer of hope delivered through the songwriting creates true art that resonates with many. jxdn considers the track ‘WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS’ as the beginning of his story, and our story. On release day jxdn stated, “That is why I make music, so the music of your life never stops.”