ALBUM REVIEW: Um, Jennifer? - Um Comma Jennifer Question Mark

New York indie duo, Um, Jennifer?, bring their tongue in cheek, punk-esq indie to LP format with their blistering debut album ‘Um Comma Jennifer Question Mark’. An album that, despite its short runtime, packs more than a punch. 

There is an addictive quality to this album. The opening two tracks, ‘So Sick!’ and ‘Delancey’ reel us in with their casual delivery yet classic sound that is both typical of indie rock yet so unique. The vocals are wonderfully layered, they seem to float along effortlessly with well arranged guitar melodies. ‘Old Grimes’ is a highlight of the album, starting off with a heavy brooding section with thumping drums and a menacing guitar melody, which then shifts into a bouncy and whimsical chorus that gets one's head bobbing instantaneously. It’s disarmingly charming. 

The album is full of stand out songs. We see the return of previous tracks such as ‘Girl Class’ and ‘Cut Me Open’, two bangers that made it onto last years ‘The Girl Class EP’, and unsurprisingly have stood the test of time. ‘Fishy’ leans more into the punk tinged side of their sound, with quick, trashy drums and distorted vocals. This album has a clear cut aesthetic and sound, yet each song manages to bring its own flair and variation which enables ‘Um Comma Jennifer Question Mark’ to be such a fun listen. 

Despite walking a well traveled path, being indie rock, ‘Um, Jennifer?’ manage to be refreshingly new and brimming with life. There is a surprising amount of variation on this record, especially regarding its 25 minute runtime. If we’re seeing this level of quality in the debut album, the sky’s the limit for what ‘Um, Jennifer?’ will be able to achieve in future works.