J. Graves is passionate dance-punk. Tense relationship rock, sanguine lyricism, guitar music, chord changes that sound like secret longing, a rhythm section that thuds, skitters, and melts over the determined voice of Jessa Graves. The heat of the cataclysm gives off a vapor known to galvanize meatspace into writhing, dancing heaps, creating rabid, loyal fans. Against all odds, J. Graves is back with a dangerously wild and reimagined cover series, Undercover Summer, a welcomed and inspiring departure from their crushing LP Fortress of Fun, a first of its kind, choose your own adventure record. If Depeche Mode, Devo, Metric, and Interpol don’t foreshadow more heartbreaking and breathtaking new original music to be released in 2024 and beyond, no one knows what will. But where there’s a will, there’s a J. Graves, and likely a disco beat to show you the way.

Nothing can substitute the experience of a live J. Graves show. With comparisons to Sleater-Kinney, Karen O, and Siouxsie And The Banshees, catching a J. Graves show became a goal for music denizens of the Northwest. Along her trajectory Graves annealed other talent with her drive and ideals. Joined by their soul twin, the unassuming Aaron MacDonald, who would be a watchmaker --for his distinct timing and style, were he not a drummer.

You must be in front of the liquid rhythm section and pounding chords of the band to feel the blast. In performance Graves eyes roll furiously and her jawline sets as she contacts the emotion that produced her songs. She contorts herself around a fender slimline telecaster, and, in fits and starts, springs forth with contagious, inspiring performances.