By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Saturday, June 2, 2018
For fans of: Yellowcard, Switchfoot, 3 Doors Down
Just 6 Hours are an alternative rock band based out of Lawrence Township, NJ. They first caught my attention when MOTO Records sent me their latest release, Sober, which came out March 14th. I really love what MOTO Records is doing right now, signing a lot of up-and-coming talent out of New Jersey. MOTO Records' roster is made up of truly impressive bands, and Just 6 Hours is no exception. Sober is a strong release that deserves attention.
According to their website:
“Just 6 Hours is an alternative rock band originally formed in 2014 by bassist Gordon Sine with fellow students from Music and Arts in Lawrence Township, NJ. Lead vocalist/guitarist Seth Barnett joined the group in June of 2015 and the band is now based out of Asbury Park, NJ. A shakeup in the band just before a gig at the Saint in Asbury Park resulted in the addition of Nick Marrotta and Anthony Giordano on lead guitar and drums in the spring of 2017. With only three 2-hour rehearsals leading up to the Saint show, the reinvented band took the stage and performed a powerful set with only six hours of rehearsal. Since that first show at the Saint, Just 6 Hours has performed at major venues across NJ including Boontunes, The Brighton Bar, The House of Independents and the Stone Pony. Just 6 Hours' musical influences include Nirvana, Green Day, Yellowcard, Pierce the Veil, Black Sabbath, Metallica, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The J6H sound includes lyrics that are thoughtful and emotional along with a combination of powerful rhythms supporting aggressive guitar driven melodies.”
In four short years, Just 6 Hours defined a sound that definitely sets them apart from the rest of their labelmates on MOTO Records. Barnett’s voice sounds worn-in and like he has been singing his whole life, something that takes most vocalists a lifetime to achieve. Marrotta’s leads are melodic and totally compliment Barnett’s vocals and rhythm guitar. Giordano and Sine are as tight as can be as the rhythm section and provide the perfect backdrop for Marrotta’s leads and Barnett’s voice. My personal favorite track is “Dan.” This song really showcases Marrotta’s personal lyrics and the variety of dynamics the band is able to achieve. Sober is a fantastic release for a group that has not been around very long. I look forward to hearing what Just 6 Hours has in store for us in the future.