NYC duo Jenny Rubicon show an invigorating, nostalgic array of rock and power-pop throughout the album Greedy. Ripe in themes of retrospection and striving to move on from the past, the duo of James Bannon and Max Chomet strut consistently strong songwriting, kickstarted during the pandemic and come to fruition with this album, which was recorded and mixed by Travis Harrison (Guided by Voices).
Opening the album, “Dinner Party” enamors in its frantic guitar pace and ’90s alt-rock nostalgia, set against a palpable lyrical yearning. “And I’m falling asleep watching movies, starring girls that look like you,” the vocals admit. “And I don’t feel any better when I come to.” The retrospective musings (references to time machines and screen names!) arrive at a snarling decisiveness: “If you don’t miss me at all, that’s just fine.” The track compels in a relatable sense of pining, as one stares at their bedroom ceiling at night, wondering “what if?” and what they would have done differently with the knowledge they have now.
“Monte Carlo” captivates with a lusher rock disposition. Jangly guitars complement vocals musing on “a wasted year,” whose memories are prompted throughout. “You speak of logic and you speak of common sense, I think I’m gambling with myself,” they continue, traversing into a blissful chorus with dual-vocal layering amidst peppier guitars for a dreamy power-pop and shoegaze-touched nostalgia. The serene, psychedelic engrossment takes firm hold during the “in the end,” sequence traversing back into the verses.
The album’s title track is another hypnotic success, as dazed vocal touches surround the laid-back lead — building into a vigor-full guitar distortion at the one-minute turn. The dynamic range of jangly power-pop charm and heavier rock play with seamless charm throughout, further emphasizing the project’s enjoyable versatility and melodic consistency. “You could have had it all, why did you throw it all away?” the vocals ask, continuing a thematic sense of retrospection that lingers with immersive impact throughout Greedy.
The album’s second half continues the hooky rock-forward charisma, especially evident on the punchy “Sparrow.” Further references to “when you were young,” stay with the past in clear view, as a peppy bass line and debonair guitar pulses surround the confident vocals. “Zodiac Killer” moves with brisker intent, with the “your assumptions,” chorus embracing a distortion-friendly vein of rock with ’90s skate-rock throwback appeal. “Breakfast With Chloe” follows with a spacious, psychedelic power-pop jangling, while “Webdings” closes the release with fuzzed-out rock allure amidst aspirations to finally move on from the past — ending the riveting Greedy with a very strong one-two punch.
