Jump Back Clears the Air with Misunderstood: A Rock-Driven Album That Defies Labels
by Danny Colman originally published on Rock On! This Week’s Sound Bites…8/14/2025
Monmouth County based band, Jump Back released their debut record, “Blues In The Red” during everyone’s favorite year of 2020 and despite its fantastic quality, rocking originals and very well re-imagined covers; the title seemed to have those interested in them thinking they were a blues band.
Now, in all honesty, this writer was guilty of the same thing and yes, the album did have a bluesy feel to it and those aforementioned re-imagined covers were of blues songs but the originals were straight ahead rockers which showcased the many influences of its individual parts.
Somewhat baffled by what they feel is a “Misunderstanding” of genre labeling, Wayne Kessler, Jack Piccolomini, John Dammacco and original drummer Emilio Ramil (Who has recently left the band) along with new drummer Walter Doberentz returned to Shorefire Recording Studio and have released their second album, aptly titled, “Misunderstood.”
Whether it’s the opening salvo of “I’ll Move On” with its heavy bass, drum and crunchy guitar or the closing tune, in their own words, “Our homage to Keth Richards and The Stones“ of “Fight For Survival,” one thing is certain; they will no longer be “Misunderstood.”
When it comes to sophomore efforts, many bands fall short of expectations but that is not the case here as “Misunderstood” with its ’80s overtones, gutsy riffs, some tongue in cheek compositions (See “The Sting”) with, dare we say, nods to the “Blues” offers a fine mix of big sound, with none more evident than their ode to arena rock, “Without You.”
This 10-track gem has a something for everyone feel; from its first single, “Evil Might Win” which at times has a Black Crowes feel that’s only interrupted by searing Piccolomini guitar licks that effortlessly slip back into the rhythm from whence they came before giving way to a Kessler harmonica bit wrapping it up perfectly.
“Can I Play The Blues?” Why yes they can and this third track just may be their little way of saying, “We’re not a blues band but we have the capability” as this one rolls and tumbles its way into “The Sting” and its smoking slide guitar opening.
Just when you think they’re going to take a breath, they hit us with “Denied,” one that grabs you by the throat at first but then settles into a very nice groove that is sure to put bodies on the dance floor and once there, “Shake Em baby” will definitely keep them there with its straight forward, simple, driving rock ‘n’ roll beat proving that less, can and often will always be more.
“Without You” features that “BIG” sound spoken of earlier but more importantly
it acts as somewhat of a bridge into what can possibly be considered the title track, “Miss. Understood.” With its syncopated rhythm (Think Police, “Walking On The Moon”) is a nice change and a great segue into track number nine, “New Day” featuring bassist Dammacco on vocals. This particular piece has a ’70s feel to it and as with the rest of the album, just fits well and continues to be part of the thread that ties the previous eight together.
Alas, “Everything is temporary” and with “Fight For Survival” we’ve come to the end of “Misunderstood,” which in this reviewer’s opinion is one of the standout independent releases thus far of 2025. With its “Hi-Fidelity” sound and sonic quality, its perfectly aligned track order and their individual talents, this record sounds new but is a throwback to the days of when bands had a “Style.” Jump Back has created a record that sounds like Jump Back without every song sounding the same and one they should be proud to call their own.
“Misunderstood” can be found or purchased by going to www.Dekoentertainment.com or by visiting https://push.fm/fl/iT5vle3y
To discover more about the band, please visit https://www.facebook.com/JumpBackBand/