South Street Jam Band – Nothing But Trouble (EP Review)

Today’s review features the new EP “Nothing But Trouble” by the South Street Jam Band.

The South Street Jam Band is a 3-piece rock band formed in 2009. The band plays originals and covers, delivering high-energy performances. The band took a hiatus in 2014, but reunited last year (2025) and began recording their new EP “Nothing But Trouble”, which was just released on major streaming services.

So let’s have a listen …

Nothing But Trouble starts with a power chord held out, then the full band comes in. This is quite the rocking tune. Short guitar solo into the vocals. Loving the stops in the verse. Very heavy guitar sound. The lead guitar could be a bit louder in the mix, but you can hear everything clearly. The vocals definitely sound a bit heavy metal-ish, particularly at the end of the chorus sections. Being a 3-piece, it’s pretty obvious they recorded the lead guitar over the rhythm guitar, drums, and bass, so it would be helpful to have turned it up a bit in the mix.

Boom Crash begins with a heavy rhythm guitar riff. Liking the vocals on this one. Sort of a vocal rap approach, with heavier metal-style vocals in the chorus. Definitely some scream-singing going on in this tune.

The Legend of Stagger Lee starts with the full band over a driving rhythm riff. The vocals in this one have a lot of reverb on them. A storytelling song about the legend of Stagger Lee. This is definitely a blues-rocker.

Hell Ride starts with a lead guitar solo over the full band. The drums don’t sound quite right, a little thin. Very heavy guitar chug riff in the verses. Not digging the vocals in this song, but digging the guitar riff. The vocals sound a bit like the 90s band Live in this one, although the song is not their style.

Intrusive – very nice guitar riff starts this one, then gets heavier, so far, so good. Loving the guitar riff. The vocals get heavier in the chorus, which seems to be a theme with this band. Here, the vocals are more talked than sung, except in the chorus, which is more like heavy metal vocals. The guitars shine on this song, definitely carrying the heavy vibe of the tune.

I definitely like the songwriting from this band. Every song is musically interesting. Lots of choice guitar riffage. I would like to have heard the lead guitar stand out in the mix a bit more, but that’s an easy enough fix. Also, while the guitars are heavy, I think the tone of the guitars is a bit tinny, and seems to lack a little of the bottom end you might normally expect. But the playing is really well done. Overall, a very good effort from the band.

SCORE/Good: The South Street Jam Band has dropped a heavy rock EP with great songwriting and all the swagger you’ve come to expect. If you’re into heavy rock, this EP might be right up your alley! Much love, Beth

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