Pity Parade by Elijah Jones and The CCs: Album Review

by Gabe Finch February 10, 2023

February 10, 2023

Pity Parade by Elijah Jones and The CCs: Album Review

Nashville’s Elijah Jones and The CCs (The Cancellations) have accomplished a lot with their new album, ‘Pity Parade’. Even though it’s thirteen tracks long, the album successfully strikes a balance between the band’s exploration of jazz, funk, and pop-punk, and the more traditional alternative rock sound.

The album kicks off with the jazz-influenced ‘Verse and a Chorus’, which eventually transitions into a heavier section thanks to the addition of guitar and drums. On the album’s second track, ‘Born To Break My Heart’, the band takes a more funky approach, evoking a sound reminiscent of early 2000s Paramore. The third through fifth tracks capture a carefree beach party vibe, and the sixth track, ‘Schizophrenic Blues’, stands out as a throwback to the pop-punk and pop-rock of the late ’90s and early ’00s. The synth and jiggly bassline from ‘Moves Like Jagger’ by Maroon 5 are featured on the seventh track, ‘Smack Me in the Face’, while ‘We Are Not Alone’ has a similar danceable vibe. Also notable are ‘Party Girl’ and ‘Here Comes The Sunshine’, on which Elijah Jones demonstrates a command of his voice reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner. The album’s final track, ‘Digital Cage’, features an electronic/industrial beat and is a stark contrast to the album’s slow ballads, ‘Something Borrowed’ and ‘Secret Truth’, which feature piano.

This album strikes a nice balance between more traditional alternative rock and some interesting takes on the genre. The album as a whole is solid and has a lot of substance, even if some may wish for more remarkable tracks. A compelling listen thanks to the band’s versatility and ability to bring together different elements, ‘Pity Parade’ leaves one eagerly anticipating the band’s live set list.