Junior Pantherz — Rejoice, Remain

Junior Pantherz are like an old high school girlfriend that you bump into years after graduation. You haven't thought about them in ages, and they still possess all the qualities that made your adolescent heart scream. After a short break-up, Junior Pantherz have reformed with the addition of Maygen Kardash on keys and backing vocals, adding a complimentary element to Terry Mattson's strong, but not entirely unique, voice. They've also jettisoned the quick pop nuggets of the late '90s for meticulously crafted, complex rock songs. "In And Of Itself" and "High Hopes" slowly build from their guitar and organ grooves into soaring rockers, while the crunchy power chords and foot-stomping drums of "The Ice Capade" and "Be Proud Of JPZ" are reminiscent of Clayton Park-era Thrush Hermit, which is an obvious influence. Not unlike that old girlfriend, Junior Pantherz warrant a second look.

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