Today’s featured song is “Jay Charade” by the American pop-punk band Jay Parade. According to the band, the tune “is a self-deprecating, sarcastic song about the struggles of being a 2000s punk band in a 2020s world. It describes the sometimes harsh realities of performing live, local music in a digital age.” You can hear the 2000s pop-punk elements clearly throughout, especially with that blazing electric guitar taking lead. Every time I listen to this song, it takes me back to my teenage years as I was into pop-punk with my best friend.
Besides the flavourful electric guitar, the vocal melodies are something to listen for too. I really love the pre-chorus which uses vi–IV–I–V chord progression (which has been labelled as the pop-punk chord progression) set in a minor key. Then the tension from the melody in the pre-chorus is quickly resolved in a major key in the chorus. Another place that I love is in the bridge, especially during the end at the part “… to entertain you / now we’re in the whole”. I love how that resolution is written in the vocal line, it is really fascinating.
If you are a fan of Green Day, Alkaline Trio, Jawbreaker, or even the pop-punk genre, then “Jay Charade” is the song for you. With a riveting electric guitar taking the lead and mesmerizing vocal melodies, you must hear this song today!
Make sure to check out “Jay Charade” down below and let me know what you think in the comments!
About the Artist: Jay Parade
Jay Parade are a three-piece punk band from Charleston, WV. The band began playing together as teenagers when they were members of their high school’s show choir back up band. After high school, the three friends went their separate ways but reconnected in late 2016. The group started writing, rehearsing, and made their public debut in October 2017. Jay Parade released their first EP, Crying Over Spilt Coffee, in March 2018.
Sonically, Jay Parade are reminiscent of other punk power trios. Green Day, Alkaline Trio, and Jawbreaker are cited as some of the band’s biggest influences. The band also incorporates some ska and progressive elements to round out their sound.
