LA Music Review | Art, stories and advice
Raw, honest and totally on fire!
Justine Payne has been compared to the likes of Neil Young, Frank Zappa and others.
The band is still carrying that torch into their new era of music which they have kicked off with the grunge rock anthem that is “You’re So Subversive.”
The song is full of pointed observations, frank statements, and angsty call outs; all of which we’ve come to expect in “garage rock n roll.” Justin Payne & Co. are taking up the banner of explosive rock. Much like their predecessors, they are not backing down from holding up a mirror with their music, and using music as a means of social and societal change.
This latest release, brings the perfect indie-rock atmosphere to the audience…
with contagious guitar notes that help create an absolute headbanger. With overdriven guitar and predominant vocals, this song is meant for the live scene and that translates over to the music video perfectly. It has incredible dancing energy that will make listeners jump and move along during the whole song, bringing everyone’s inner rockstar to life.
A musician, composer and performer for over 15 years and self described “natural born underdog,”
Payne studied music composition and classical violin at Bowling Green State University, which are definite influences on his lyrical and thematic style. His first self-released and self-produced EP, “Interstellar Vagabond,” released in 2014. It was a solo acoustic EP that led to his first major signing with a booking agent, two regional tours and two national routes.
Start streaming “You’re So Subversive” right here:
Payne started his band in 2016; In 2018, the band performed as headliners at the Black Swamp Arts Festival and recorded a full-length vinyl LP, “Season of Loss”, as well as securing a writeup in American Songwriter Magazine and a regional major-city band tour.
The latest incarnation of the band is stationed in Nashville and includes Payne on vocals and guitar, Marshall Fassino on second guitar, Dave Cerelli on bass guitar, and Eli Simon on drums. Their newest full-length LP, “underrated/overstimulated,” is currently in the works. Payne has performed all over the United States over the years; some of his favorite venues include 5 Spots in Nashville and Space in Evanston, IL. Live shows are fun and high energy, with a constant momentum and little time between tracks to keep that vibe going.
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