JEFF the Brotherhood

JEFF the Brotherhood made an inconspicuous appearance at Pop Montreal this year, headlining a free show to celebrate Vice Magazine's new website launch at Club Soda. It's clear from their psychedelic live assault that they've been working hard lately; Jamin's hair is longer, Jake's beer belly is bigger, and their playing is more psychically connected than ever. With just three guitar strings and two drum sticks, they lambasted the crowd with standards from Heavy Days like "Bone Jam" and "U Got the Look." Still, moments of transcendent tenderness occasionally punctuated the heaviness, prompting guitarist Jake Orrall to assure the crowd that he was getting back to the "rock'n'roll." Some audience interactions were exciting; at one point they played an oldie-but-goodie, "Noo Sixties," after a rabid fan continuously requested it. Ultimately, this show was proof that despite their increased appearance in media (from Volcom ads to the New York Times style blog), JEFF are still down-home Nashville boys who want their fans to be stoked.