Jefferson

Let me start by saying these 4 deserve praise, recognition and musical fame at the international level. The band has received critical acclaim from many prominent music critics from around the country thus far in their musical career and after doing some preliminary research I was excited to check them out. All the Love…… is one release that certainly doesn’t disappoint. This is one band that brings to the table effective songwriting via a highly passionate and polished musical delivery. This meshed with a one in a million Alternative Rock-Pop sound and Gold Standard songwriting makes for an effective combination no doubt about it. Jefferson even touches on Alternative Rock and Funky-Pop with hints of Melodic Indie Pop along the way. All songs are wonderfully simple yet masterful in their overall arrangements. Music reminded me of a cross between Icehouse, Interpol and even Bloc Party. I can also hear Train and Maroon5 as well. All pieces are quite entertaining and uplifting overall with an amazing vocal front of King. If he just so happened to write all these songs well he could be bigger than any of us realize at the moment. It needs to be said that many songs personify the teenage human experience which gives Jefferson an amazing feel in it’s attempt to connect with a cult fanbase locally or abroad. Make no bones about it – this is vintage modern-day pop from a carefree perspective plain and simple. Let me close by saying Jefferson has proven themselves with this latest release, and are clearly an up and coming talent around Sydney and all 4 members are clearly capable songwriters, artists, producers and musicians. I must admit Jefferson sucked me in like a powerful drug and refused to let go long after the experience was over. This usually indicates he is something special about the artist or band in question.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10 - Indie Arts Alliance

Coming this May from Spectra Records, Australian four piece Jefferson's debut album All the Love in the World benefits from strong production. It surrounds the collection with a powerful modern sheen while retaining a breathing, organic sound. Geoff Rana's vocals remind me of a younger, Girlfriend-era Matthew Sweet's singing and the band demonstrates tremendous chemistry for an unit that has been playing together for three years. A listener will not have to wait long for a complete validation of this band's future. After a brief opening instrumental and two solid, but workmanlike, opening numbers, the third song "Weight of the World" is a marvelous piece of pop song-craft. The intimacy of the band's instrumentation, direct lyrics, and heartfelt vocal weave an impressive experience. The following number, "Losing Control", illustrates one of the band's few shortcomings - there is no true sense of risk in this music. For a song entitled "Losing Control", it seems essential to me that there be at least a single chaotic aspect to the music, but this tune has no urgency at all. Geoff Rana's vocals shine bright again on "Early Morning", a lush, gorgeous pop song with appealing orchestral qualities. The Hammond organ underpinning the song's movement brings added sonic depth. “I Want to Come Home" is another moving song with direct, intelligent lyrics and superb construction. I like the song's steady emotional climb and while I feel that it never quite pays off in a manner to which the average listener might be accustomed, it does not work as a weakness in this tune. Some songs are like short stories; they achieve a dramatic unity through tying up every loose end. Other songs, like this, do not need that. "All The Love" feels like the band's first real stab at a rock song on the album and it works spectacularly thanks to strong guitars and vocals, but Andy Horvath's drumming really lifts this song to another level. "Fade Away" is another solid but unremarkable tune, but the album's closer "You Are the Love" rises above its clichéd sentiments to deliver a wonderfully percussive, melodic finale that undoubtedly would make for a powerful live number. It shows that the band has learned a lot from influences like Snow Patrol, U2, and others, but they have synthesized those influences with their individual vision in a compelling fashion.

Check out the band's website for news about touring and future releases. Jefferson is a band that deserves to rise and, because of such a quality debut, it is a matter of time until their music reaches every corner of the world. - Grateful Web

Coming this May from Spectra Records, Australian four piece Jefferson's debut album All the Love in the World benefits from strong production. It surrounds the collection with a powerful modern sheen while retaining a breathing, organic sound. Geoff Rana's vocals remind me of a younger, Girlfriend-era Matthew Sweet's singing and the band demonstrates tremendous chemistry for an unit that has been playing together for three years. A listener will not have to wait long for a complete validation of this band's future. After a brief opening instrumental and two solid, but workmanlike, opening numbers, the third song "Weight of the World" is a marvelous piece of pop song-craft. The intimacy of the band's instrumentation, direct lyrics, and heartfelt vocal weave an impressive experience. The following number, "Losing Control", illustrates one of the band's few shortcomings - there is no true sense of risk in this music. For a song entitled "Losing Control", it seems essential to me that there be at least a single chaotic aspect to the music, but this tune has no urgency at all. Geoff Rana's vocals shine bright again on "Early Morning", a lush, gorgeous pop song with appealing orchestral qualities. The Hammond organ underpinning the song's movement brings added sonic depth. “I Want to Come Home" is another moving song with direct, intelligent lyrics and superb construction. I like the song's steady emotional climb and while I feel that it never quite pays off in a manner to which the average listener might be accustomed, it does not work as a weakness in this tune. Some songs are like short stories; they achieve a dramatic unity through tying up every loose end. Other songs, like this, do not need that. "All The Love" feels like the band's first real stab at a rock song on the album and it works spectacularly thanks to strong guitars and vocals, but Andy Horvath's drumming really lifts this song to another level. "Fade Away" is another solid but unremarkable tune, but the album's closer "You Are the Love" rises above its clichéd sentiments to deliver a wonderfully percussive, melodic finale that undoubtedly would make for a powerful live number. It shows that the band has learned a lot from influences like Snow Patrol, U2, and others, but they have synthesized those influences with their individual vision in a compelling fashion.

Check out the band's website for news about touring and future releases. Jefferson is a band that deserves to rise and, because of such a quality debut, it is a matter of time until their music reaches every corner of the world. - Grateful Web

t might be easy to just categorize these guys as pop rock music, and write them off as the newest trending thing. It wouldn’t be wise, though. Sure, if you listen to some of the catchier pop tunes here, that’s the impression you are likely to get. There are really some things here that step outside the modern pop music box. For instance, there’s a short instrumental piece that opens the album, serving to make this more an album experience than just a collection of hits. These guys are skillful at performing music and writing catchy tunes. The production is top-notch, too. Perhaps the combination of things, though, is a bit of a detriment. I mean, there is nothing here that really seems all that original or fresh. And the great production quality tends to make it almost feel too perfect. All that said, though, when it’s this good, that really doesn’t matter. This is the kind of music that’s closely tied to classic rock, but has a more modern sound. These guys are the sort of outfit that will please a wide range of people. Since this is a debut, it’s quite possible that future releases will show more of a unique identity developing. Honestly, many bands start off sounding like another act or seeming sort of non-descript and later develop a trademark sound. As good as these guys are, if they make that step, they are likely to become superstars.
Official Rating: 9/10 - Rock N Roll Review

The Jefferson is a Pop/Rock band out of Australia, who just released their first single, “No Surprise” through Spectra Records: A division of Spectra Music Group.

http://thejeffersonband.com

Their album can be found at www.thejeffersonband.com. Jefferson offers a fresh sound that is reminiscent of classic rock, without sounding just the same as everything else around that emulates this model, but while retaining the flavor of traditional rock music. Jefferson offers a fun listening experience that combines the soulful sounds of rock and roll with the upbeat tempo and excitement of pop music. The melodic vocals on Jefferson’s tracks are one of the main drawing points, drawing the listener in and whisking them away to the place they were in when the song was written and encourages you to let the world fall away around you in order to enjoy the music.

The Jefferson is the kind of band that you enjoy from the first note and continue to think about after the music is over.

Rating; 9/10 - Skope Magazine

All The Love In The World” will be released in May of 2013 through Spectra Records: A division of the Spectra Music Group.

Jefferson is a four piece pop/rock act from Australia. Their new album, “All The Love In The World” is an upbeat collection of melodic pop that revels in the conventions of its genre, creating a solid, enjoyable, poppy album. The opening track, “Awake,” is an electronic synth-driven instrumental piece that is reminiscent of mellow eighties pop. Coming in at just over a minute the track acts as a gateway, bringing you into the realm of Jefferson’s music. “Awake” ends abruptly as the album shifts gears into “No Surprise,” the first single to come from “All the Love in the World.” “No Surprise” shines as a stunning example of modern pop/rock. The vocals, lyrics, arrangement and rhythm section are all exactly what you would want in this kind of song. One could easily imagine hearing this song on the soundtrack of a CW TV show or a feature film.
Next up is “Crossfire,” which carries out the pop/rock mission statement declared in “No Surprise” and cranks up the beat, bringing a bigger energy and building to a catchy crescendo. The following track, “Weight of the World” slows things down, bringing a touching, warm ballad, driven by a lone acoustic guitar and beautiful vocal harmonies. “Weight of the World” is a perfect slow-dance song. Track five, “Losing Control” brings the beat back up, with a catchy synth-driven rocker and a strong, memorable hook. The driving beats give the song an anthemic strength consistent with the entire album. The next track, “Early Morning,” slows things down a bit and is reminiscent of Pink Floyd in its melodic journey between subdued piano/vocal combos and boisterous full choruses.

While still planted firmly within the realm of pop/rock, a bit of Seattle sound sneaks in on “I Want To Come Home” particularly in the guitar riff and the breakdowns. “I Want To Come Home” is another song that begs to be used on a soundtrack somewhere. Track eight, “All The Love,” keeps the album moving forward with all of the aforementioned elements coming together to cement Jefferson’s style and reiterate the album’s musical identity. “Fade Away,” returns to the realm of the ballad, and is a textbook example of the form. The familiar nature of the song is soothing and comforting, as you listen the only surprise in “Fade Away” is the art and skill with which it is executed. “Fade Away” is a quintessential pop ballad. “You are the Love,” brings the synth to the forefront in the song’s opening, recalling the form of “Awake” but rapidly builds to an epic, upbeat anthem. The final track on “All the Love in the World” is “Mayday (Remix)” which recalls the style of Tears for Fears in a potent pop celebration. The beat is danceable and fun. While it is a bit of a stylistic departure from the remainder of the album it is such fun that you certainly won’t mind!

Overall, Jefferson’s “All the Love in the World” is an incredibly enjoyable and fun album that taps into the conventions of thirty years worth of pop music while remaining fresh and enjoyable. To find out more about Jefferson, visit www.thejeffersonband.com

Final Rating: 8/10
- All Whats Rock

The Jefferson is a four piece band based out of Australia. They are signed to Spectra Records: A division of the Spectra Music Group. Their latest CD is entitled “All The Love In The World.” Band members include: Jared king (Bass Guitar, Back Up Vocals), Jake Tuffin ( Guitar), Geoff Rana (Lead Vocals / Guitar), Andy Horvath ( Drums, Back Up Vocals.)

The CD gently takes flight with “Awake” an electronica prelude of sorts that leads you by the hand into track 2 “No Surprise.” This piece presents a smooth flowing follow up that serves up impressive guitar ambience, painted against inviting melody, passionate vocal performance from Rana against a grand slam of chorus. This first piece makes a great first impression with it’s impressive musical finale. Track 3 “Crossfire” keeps thing moving in the rocking direction with driving rock rhythm, thought provoking lyrical content and impressive melody vocal harmonies. Track 4 my personal favorite “Weight of the World” shifts gears a bit with its Gypsy Folk stigma, striking vocal intro gradually building into an impressive heartfelt ballad. The CD makes a great first impression dashing out 4 solid songs in a row. The musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. Along the way you will notice lush instrumentation with things like impressive rhythm guitar ambience, well placed keyboard accents meshed against a rock solid low end rhythm section with lush harmonies and a strong melodic foundation layered everywhere. As this CD slowly unfolds I can hear musical influences ranging from The Fray, One Republic, Death Cab For Cutie to Cold Play. What I like the most about this band is how well they seem to groove together, testament to hundreds of hours of rehearsal time no doubt. Now turning our attention over to Rana – as for his vocal abilities, his voice works extremely well within the confines of this Ambient Pop catalogue. His voice goes down smooth and fills the space peacefully and unobtrusively. I suspect some of his vocal influences are – Jason Mraz, and Daren Hayes (Savage Garden). All songs are extremely well crafted and consistent across the board. From mesmerizing “Losing Control” to melodic “Early Morning” to hypnotic “I Want to Come Home” to dynamic “Fade Away” to the heartfelt title track this CD pretty much has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with track 10 “You are the Love” and Track 11 a bonuses version of “Mayday” (Remix) the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.

It’s hard to find any serious weaknesses with this CD. I will offer up 3 minor items. I like Ranas’ voice pretty good however it is not nearly at the level of say a Patrick Monahan (Train) Chris Martin (Coldplay) or Adam Duritz (Counting Crows) .I also wish there were say 2-3 more tracks on the CD making it a fully loaded production. All songs over 3.5 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line.

From start to finish “All the Love in the World” by The Jefferson is an impressive collection of music period! The music is highly passionate and extremely uplifting. The songwriting – world class, all consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair, and signature groove. Note for note, song for song, there isn’t really a weak piece on this entire CD. The Jefferson is an infectious band from down under worthy of spotlight, attention, and praise. - Vents Magazine

"'Many up and comers do the local live rounds but it is a rariety to get picked up by a succesful producer who helps them on their way like sydney 4 peice The Jefferson have.'" - Tara Clifford - DRUM Media Magazine

The Jefferson are a driving pop/rock band following in the footsteps of Temper Trap by offering catchy music that’s gaining popularity in the states, building off of their regional following in Australia. - Ourstage - Jay Schneider

'Many up and comers do the local live rounds but it is a rariety to get picked up by a succesful producer who helps them on their way like sydney 4 peice The Jefferson have.' - Tara Clifford - DRUM Media Magazine

'Accompanied by an impressive light show pop/rock quartet, The Jefferson then took the stage and weaved through a set that achieved in its showcasing goals.Having met at The Australian institute of music, its no surprise the band are slicker than the average local outfit.' - Scott Fitzsimons - DRUM Media Magazine

"Sydney's The Jefferson deal in upeat commercial pop/rock which, if they were Amercian, would see them playing stadiums by now instead of friday night pub gigs." - Heather Fuhrer, DRUM Media Magazine

"Sydney's The Jefferson deal in upeat commercial pop/rock which, if they were Amercian, would see them playing stadiums by now instead of friday night pub gigs." - Heather Fuhrer, DRUM Media Magazine

“Big hooks, great production and a huge sound. The songs are destined for radio stations around the country. A band with loads of potential!" - Adrian Karvinen, A&R, Island Records Australia, Universal Records Australia. - Adrian Karvinen, A&R, Island Records Australia, Universal Records Australia.

SouthSide thoroughly enjoyed this debut 13-track album by The Jefferson (from Sydney,Australia) which had a flowing melodic rock sound from beginning to end. Listening closely to the lyrics, this reviewer noticed the words were quite personal ...straight from the heart (probably based on past experiences and/or life changing events). Jefferson's music did have a feel reminiscent of The Beatles in the title track, Safe Return to Earth (the 4-part harmony wonderfully done) but the rest of the album wasn't overcomplicated or over dramatic with extra hooks and rhythms. It's clean rock ...lively beats and plenty of energy vibin' through the speakers especially during track 8 - Tell Me Your Name. SouthSide highly suggests listening to the inspirational song It Can Be (track 2), a rockin' equivalent to Twisted Sister's We're Gonna Take It heard within Final Call (track 4), the political references and tone in Outta My Mind (track 5) and her favorite Superstar (track 10). Track 13, Lay Me Down, deserves a special mention in this review for its acoustic sound and music which highlights the emotions heard in the vocals before the album ends with a reprise of an instrumental version of the title track.


- South side on the town - Reviewing live music shows and more from Chicago's vibrant local scene