My last memory of JT’s Pub & Grill prior to Friday night was pissing off a large group of drunken Steelers fans during a playoff game by blaring the cheesiest country music imaginable from the jukebox. Vitriolic shouts and icy stares beamed across the rundown Grantville dive. Based on the tap list and overall vibe of the place, my friend and I decided we would leave after finishing our pints, but not before taking advantage of the flashing credits some schmuck had left on the jukebox. In retrospect, that was probably a good way to get stabbed.
Flash forward about two years, and a drinking buddy mentions that his comrade’s band, with roots both local and New Jerseyan, is in town. He describes their sound as pop-punk, which to me is about as appealing as a swift kick to the groin. Upon finding out that the band’s name is Just in Case, I further questioned my decision to leave the comforts of the Green Flash tasting room behind. There is, however, something to be said for the occasional blessing of low expectations. Though the chord progressions were simple (par for the genre’s trodden course), Just in Case impressed with their uptempo surges and catchy hooks.
Lead singer Adam, who bears an unfortunate resemblance to the guy from Hoobastank, delivered simple-yet-effective verses dealing with everything from politics to a vague desire for more. “Reputations” sounded like it could land on 91X with ease. The drummer’s backing death-metal grunts didn’t exactly up the ante, but his rhythms provided a sturdy anchor for the melodies to unfold upon.
There were at least one or two more acts set to play, but the evening ended rather abruptly. One too many Racer 5s and familiar murderous stares after unwittingly hitting on a vocalist’s girlfriend made flight from the Marlboro haze of the patio area seem wise.
Concert: Just in Case
Venue: JT’s
Date: March 16
Seat: Patio
My last memory of JT’s Pub & Grill prior to Friday night was pissing off a large group of drunken Steelers fans during a playoff game by blaring the cheesiest country music imaginable from the jukebox. Vitriolic shouts and icy stares beamed across the rundown Grantville dive. Based on the tap list and overall vibe of the place, my friend and I decided we would leave after finishing our pints, but not before taking advantage of the flashing credits some schmuck had left on the jukebox. In retrospect, that was probably a good way to get stabbed.
Flash forward about two years, and a drinking buddy mentions that his comrade’s band, with roots both local and New Jerseyan, is in town. He describes their sound as pop-punk, which to me is about as appealing as a swift kick to the groin. Upon finding out that the band’s name is Just in Case, I further questioned my decision to leave the comforts of the Green Flash tasting room behind. There is, however, something to be said for the occasional blessing of low expectations. Though the chord progressions were simple (par for the genre’s trodden course), Just in Case impressed with their uptempo surges and catchy hooks.
Lead singer Adam, who bears an unfortunate resemblance to the guy from Hoobastank, delivered simple-yet-effective verses dealing with everything from politics to a vague desire for more. “Reputations” sounded like it could land on 91X with ease. The drummer’s backing death-metal grunts didn’t exactly up the ante, but his rhythms provided a sturdy anchor for the melodies to unfold upon.
There were at least one or two more acts set to play, but the evening ended rather abruptly. One too many Racer 5s and familiar murderous stares after unwittingly hitting on a vocalist’s girlfriend made flight from the Marlboro haze of the patio area seem wise.
Concert: Just in Case
Venue: JT’s
Date: March 16
Seat: Patio