Mean Jeans basically take the Ramones’ formula, add a little bit of their own flair, and then deliver short and fast power pop/punk songs. But Mean Jeans’ songs (and live shows) are fun, and sometimes that’s all you need for music like this. They have more complex guitar solos than the Ramones and a different sense of humor (one song is called “4 Coors Meal”), but mostly their M.O. is just keeping that band’s timeless sound alive. To do it though, you need to be able to write real hooks, and Mean Jeans certainly are. The Ramones aren’t just one of the most beloved punk bands in the world because they were loud and fast; they always made sure a true pop song was hiding behind all the noise. Mean Jeans do this too, and they’ve got the “oh oh ohs” and the harmonies to back it up.
I wrote the above in April when Mean Jeans released their super fun new album Tight New Dimension on Fat Wreck Chords. They’ve now made a rollerblading-themed video for “Croozin'” off that album which you can watch below. It was shot and cut by Brett Roberts.
Mean Jeans begin a Midwest tour in Chicago tonight (5/18), and they’re also confirmed for the loaded Florida punk festival The Fest. All dates are listed below.
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Mean Jeans — 2016 Tour Dates
05/18/16 Chicago, IL East Room w/ Easy Habits, Mama
05/19/16 Milwaukee, WI Club Garibaldi w/ Easy Habits
05/20/16 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock Social Club w/ Easy Habits, Frankie Teardrop, Chincees
05/21/16 Madison, WI False Floor w/ Easy Habits
05/22/16 Indianapolis, IN The Hi-Fi w/ Easy Habits, Smokes
05/23/16 Cincinnati, OH Northside Yacht Club w/ Easy Habits
05/24/16 Cleveland, OH Mahalls w/ Easy Habits
05/25/16 Ft. Wayne, IN The Brass Rail w/ Easy Habits
06/24/16 Helsinki, Finland Hori Smoku Summer Boogaloo
10/28-30/16 Gainesville, FL The Fest