Jess and the Bandits - Smoke & Mirrors (2017)

Speaking about the new record, lead singer Jessica Clemmons says: “I am so excited about this album. I wanted to make sure that the sound grew and developed experimenting a little even. Gospel music is so close to my heart that I knew I needed to bring those elements into this new record. ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ is is a labour of love. A collection of songs that will take the listener on a journey”.

After listening to the LP it’s easy to say that Jess and the Bandits have certainly achieved everything they set out to with their new release. ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ features fourteen new songs, all slightly different to each other.

With shades of Gospel, mixed with toe-tapping country/pop, it definitely showcases the five-piece group’s musical growth since their first album release two-years ago.

The standout tracks include the pop infused ‘I’m Not Going Home’, and the Gospel inspired ‘Sister’, and the brilliant ‘Gone Girl’ which has shades of Maren Morris’ massive hit ‘My Church’. All three tracks show different sides to the country group, and Jess’ vocals are sublime.