Whenever a major change occurs in life, like having a child, there is time to prepare for many of the changes you will most likely go through. However, sometimes those moments in life can have a positive impact that the moment never expected to have.
Without Jimmies is a South Jersey based band that originally came together in 2000 after the core trio of Ian Askew, Dann Branco, and Chris (Penny) Passanante started right before high school. Although the musical taste of the group is influenced by multiple artists and genres, the band’s sound has become synonymous with the blended sounds of NOFX, Bad Religion, and Blink 182. I’ve also found myself hearing some MXPX and Sum 41 while listening to the music.
With 22 years passing since the trio met, the group has endured a few hiatuses. When asked about their most recent hiatus and how long the time stretched, Branco offered this view, “Wow, well the hiatus for Without Jimmies spanned too many years to count.” He also noted the fact that although the trio may not have been officially together the music endeavors never stopped, “During that time we have always been involved together musically with other projects and bands.”
This brings us back to the life changing events that have impacts that most would not predict. As Branco continued to provide insight into what ultimately brought the band back together in an official capacity he added this insight, “Honestly what led to the resurgence of Without Jimmies was Chris’ son being born. We were working on a different project at the time, and after his son was born Chris sent over an absolute banger of a song he wrote and we kept going! It was definitely the spark that started the fire.”
Through various hiatuses, the band name has stuck around all these years. Wanting to know more about the origin of the band name, Passanante provided some details, “This goes back to around the year 2000. Ian and I found a busted drum set on the side of the curb. Or our friend Darren found it, I don't remember. We brought it to my parents basement, I grabbed my guitar and we started jamming. My brother Greg offered up the name and we liked it.” So there you go, sometimes all you need is an older brother to spit out a name everyone agrees on.
After writing and recording new music, Without Jimmies released their first official EP, ‘Lovers XX’ on October 30, 2022, or Mischief Night as us locals call it. The first song released ‘Jimmy Jimmy’ dropped on October 6, along with an accompanying video on the band’s YouTube page
As I listened to ‘Jimmy Jimmy’ a couple of times, the lyrics that stood out to me the most are actually the opening lyrics of the song, “I got lost on the way to your house. I don’t know what you are talking about.” My initial reaction to this line, along with some other supporting lines, was this song is about a guy who wasn’t actually lost at all. Instead he was trying to avoid making it to a place where he no longer had a desire to be at. I pressed the band on my thoughts to see if I could get some confirmation to my reaction. As a true artists, Askew wasn’t about to divulge too much direct information. He did however offer up a general theme of the song, and also divulged a look into his reason for writing songs. “I like giving the fans the opportunity to interpret the lyrics however they wish. Music isn’t something we make, but more so something we channel so it isn’t up to me to impose my own meaning, “Askew says. “What I can say is that the song is generally about a toxic relationship.”
The band’s 2nd released video ‘Blood and Bone’ dropped the same day as the EP release. The video features the trio wearing costumes suitable for Halloween, as well as includes some scenes driving around with tools you could find in a horror movie. With visuals, and a title that could easily be associated with Halloween, I was intrigued to know if this video was purposely released at the end of October, and if there was any correlation to the message of the song and Halloween. Again Askew provided insight around the dates and the song. “On the surface it’s totally appropriate for Halloween/mischief night,” Askew Said. “But the song itself isn’t. That title speaks to the origins of things, the foundation. When everything else is stripped away, what’s left? Blood and Bone. That’s what we are.”
So what’s left for Without Jimmies to do next? The music has been recorded, and the videos have been released, so it only makes sense to play the music live. Your first chance to catch Without Jimmies on stage is December 3rd in Williamstown,NJ. The band will be headlining the afternoon show presented by Fries Mills Venues. Additional details can be found on the below flier.
The band has been together for so long, where do they stand in their comfort level of writing together? “That’s an interesting question! After so many years of creating music together our inspiration to keep going is each other, and real life situations,” said Branco. “We are always experiencing life individually and music is our main outlet to emote. I wouldn’t say songs come easier, but our understanding of each other does. After so long we can tell what the other was feeling when they wrote their respective part. We are always pushing ourselves and each other and love so many different genres of music that the evolution of our music comes naturally.”
The ‘Lovers XX’ ep includes four additional songs not already mentioned. Looking at the release of the singles, tracks six and five, were the first two videos released. The full track listing on the band’s Spotify is:
- Wishing Well
- Jailhouse Groove
- New Girlfriend
- Shut Up!
- Blood and Bone
- Jimmy Jimmy
The overarching theme of the EP feels like it ties back to my initial thoughts of ‘Jimmy Jimmy.’ Although the song is the last track, I do feel the single set the tone for how the album would play out. Most of the album seems, in my opinion, to have that toxic relationship feel that Askew pointed out. Some of the tracks contain a more serious tone, while others like ‘New Girlfriend’ have a little more light hearted tone.
Lyrics on ‘New Girlfriend’ are a little more of the tongue-in-cheek imaginative side of telling your ex all the things your new girlfriend will be. The music is also very upbeat and easily provides the opportunity to join in with some air drumming or head nodding. I could see this song being the one that really gets a crowd jumping and feeling like a part of the show when played live.
Writing and releasing videos isn’t the only thing planned for Without Jimmies. The band recently brought on Taylor Harmon to be their live drummer. You can also spot him in their recent videos. And with adding a live drummer that also means time for live shows soon. With one date already announced, there are still plenty in the works. Without releasing too much information yet, the band is excited for the future plans. “We are planning a bunch of cool things including shows in NJ and PA. Also videos, merch, new songs, all that good stuff,” said Passanante.
To keep up with all the new plans the band has, be sure to follow their Instagram. That social media platform will be the go-to spot for all news and updates for the band.
Additional links below
Catch Without Jimmies live:
December 3, 2022
Williamstown, NJ
Fries Mills Venues
Cost: $10
Reach out to the bands for exact location
Written by
Michael Green
Freelance Writer
November 2022
Photos provided by Without Jimmies
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