The Jealous Sound’s music occupies a bittersweet niche in indie rock’s history—respected by peers and beloved by fans, yet never achieving mainstream recognition. Rising from the remnants of Knapsack and Sunday’s Best, the band crafted a distinctive sound blending Blair Shehan’s understated, palm-muted rhythms with Pedro Benito’s shimmering leads. Their music, at once emotionally charged and lyrically enigmatic, struck a chord with me during my teenage years especially their headline track “Naive” which showcased the band’s knack for poignant, enigmatic lyrics that spoke to me as a teenager—lines like “You could burn like a constellation but don’t go before I leave” blended whistful introspection with melodic power in a way I couldn’t get enough of (and still can’t). There’s a poetic subtlety that avoids cliché while remaining undeniably heartfelt. This album evoked the grounded sincerity of 90s indie rock while nodding to the melodic polish of acts like Jimmy Eat World’s Bleed American (an all-timer for me) and had a unique charm in their ability to balance raw emotion with down-to-earth rock energy.
For those like me with a supreme soft spot for heartfelt, guitar-centric indie rock, Kill Them With Kindness remains a hidden gem that ensures even the most vulnerable moments avoid becoming overly saccharine. It’s a record that has stuck with me for over 20 years, floating somewhere deep in the recesses of my mind awaiting to be recalled at a moment’s notice.
Standout Songs: “Naive”, “Hope For Us”, “The Gift Horse”, “Anxious Arms”
