After the success of their 1997 debut 'Slightly Odway', there was no doubt that Jebediah were a band that were heading somewhere. Fast. The album is currently sitting twenty thousand sales off double platinum status and continues to shine as one of the greater triumphs for a band from Perth. So what next for the band? Well after a countless spell of touring they headed back to the scene of 'Slightly Odway', Melbourne's Sing Sing Studios with noted Producer Mark Trombino (Knapsack/ Archers of Loaf) in tow. The result is 'Of Someday Shambles', a truly giant of an album that looks set to further entrench Jebediah as a shining light. 'Did You Really' starts things off nicely as the Jeb's dish up a nice mix of crunchy guitar during the chorus amidst Kevin Mitchell's fuzzed up vocals. 'Star Machine' slows the pace down before turning into another monster guitar driven track, although I swear I heard a triangle in there at one point.
'Congratulations' is a great example of how Jebediah's sound has matured and moved away from the mosh-pit approved tracks of 'Slightly Odway', where now it seems that Mitchell is being a lot more blunt and honest in his songwriting. Of course, it's another Mitchell that really seems to be the hidden genius of Jebediah in the form of Kevin's bigger brother and drummer Brett. Chris Daymond once again shows his no slouch when dishing out a killer hook through 'Trapdoor' and first single 'Animal' while Vanessa Thornton's bass rumbles along smoothly. 'Please Leave' sees the Jeb's back in mellow mode as they lazily plod along before the up-tempo 'ballad' of 'Love At Last' rings out. Another example of interesting development is the use of slide-guitar in 'Happier Sad' while things get all old school punk in 'Slot Car Racing'. The biggest surprise is left for the end with the amazing six minute 'epic' of 'Run of the Company'. Utilizing a nice chunk of the Victorian Philharmonic Orchestra it's a highlight of the album and a gob-smackingly brilliant song. As a second album, 'Of Someday Shambles' is big on quality, great songs and mammoth production which should see them come out triumphs once again.
- Brett Rowe