Formed in Canberra, Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers — Anna Ryan (vocals/guitar), Scarlett McKahey (guitar/vocals), Jaida Stephenson (bass) and Neve van Boxsel (drums) — first came together as high school friends. Inspired by grunge, punk, and riot grrrl energy, they quickly made a name with their raw live shows and unflinching lyrics.
Their debut EP “Pretty Good For A Girl Band” (2022) established their sound with tracks like “Girl Sports”.
“I Love You” expanded their reach, blending grunge riffs with sharp hooks. So if Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers’ 2023 debut “I Love You” introduced their fierce brand of indie-punk, then their second album release “Glory” promises an evolution. The LP has been described as “the sound of getting the bus home after a night out, mascara smeared and phone battery on 1%.” It’s messy, confident, and unapologetic. Produced by Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Wolf Alice), “Glory” is polished yet raw, reflecting a band that know who they are and what they want to say.
The sessions were recorded in an isolated home studio on Darkinjung Land, NSW, over five weeks. With Marks encouraging experimentation and a no-compromise approach, the band crafted a record that is, in their words, “completely us.” Every note, scream, and lyric was shaped to reflect their truest sound. The album was mixed by Oli Jacobs and mastered by Ruairi O’Flaherty .
From the album’s press release, “Glory” is music to strut to. It’s part Skins, part 90s teen movie soundtrack. It’s an adrenaline shot to the arm, a Jagerbomb at the bar, the conspiratorial eye roll you share with a girlfriend when a loser guy is talking. Set to bright, punchy, turn-the-volume-up indie-rock, the ten tracks on “Glory” traverse confidence, disgust, infatuation, and power.”
It is a raucous album from start to finish. One that is full of energy, power, and defiance that is apparent not only in the songwriting and vocals but also in the song melodies that often complement the energy. The album grabs your attention and doesn’t let go in the best ways. Kudos to the songcrafting. And the vocals. And the musicianship on each and every song throughout the album. Kudos to the recording process and producer for capturing Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers performing at such a high level, almost like being at a live show. And I love that. And you will too.
There are slower moments too, like “TALKING,” which slows the melody down at the start but still packs plenty of frenetic energy and earworm-worthy harmonies within the song. Another slower beat is featured in the song “DAYLIGHT,” which boasts sweet, thoughtful lyrics about relationships and love in general. Overall, listener, you will dig this album, and it will leave you wanting more.
The Fat Angel Sings 