Emerging from the depths of solitude and creative reflection, JJ Rane’s debut EP, ‘Back To The River’, is a sonic force to be reckoned with. A one-man brainchild of Vancouver Island-based musician Jon Matwiv, the project was born in isolation yet delivers a sound that is expansive, immersive, and deeply rooted in the moody, unvarnished spirit of Western Canadian rock. Echoing the raw intensity of early 2000s alternative music while paying homage to the grit of the Pacific Northwest, ‘Back To The River’ is both a deeply personal endeavor and a masterfully executed collaboration.
Crafted during the solitude of the quarantine era, the EP carries a distinct emotional weight. The entire record was recorded remotely, but the result is far from disjointed—if anything, it resonates with a cohesiveness that makes it feel like the work of a seasoned band, playing off each other’s instincts in a single room. This is due in part to Matwiv’s remarkable ability to weave together a diverse array of musical talents. The record features powerhouse performances from Jon Button (Sheryl Crow, The Who) on bass, Nik Hughes (Bush) and Mike Smith (Chayce Beckham, Trapt, Tantric) on drums, and Lea Cappelli (L’FREAQ) on vocals, each lending their unique touch to Matwiv’s singular vision.
Adding an extra layer of grit and polish is the legendary Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar, Grady), who mixed the first single, ‘Hell of a Lie’. Johnson’s signature touch amplifies the EP’s dynamic range, balancing unfiltered rock energy with a refined sense of atmosphere. Matwiv’s ability to craft a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern is evident throughout the record, paying tribute to the grunge-laden intensity of it’s golden era acts while also incorporating the layered complexity of progressive rock influences.
The title track ‘Back To The River’ kicks off the EP with an immediate sense of urgency. A distorted, churning intro sets the tone, paving the way for JJ Rane’s commanding vocals. There’s a 90s alt-rock spirit that courses through the veins of this track, blending thunderous instrumentation with a raw, confessional energy. The guitar work is particularly striking, oscillating between arena-rock grandeur and introspective restraint. The chorus swells with anthemic power, pulling the listener into its surging tide, while the bridge offers a momentary calm before crashing back into the song’s relentless momentum.
A bluesy, gut-punching rock anthem, ‘Hell of a Lie’ is propelled by a relentless rhythmic undercurrent. The track features a bold interplay between groove-heavy basslines and snarling electric guitars, crafting a soundscape that’s equal parts defiant and anthemic. The chorus erupts with searing intensity, each lyric delivered with a biting authenticity that lingers long after the song fades out. The verses simmer with a slow-burning tension, building towards a climax that unleashes in a fiery guitar solo reminiscent of classic rock titans, cementing JJ Rane’s place as a formidable force in modern rock.
‘In the Middle of Two Worlds’ takes an unexpected yet refreshing turn, transitioning from a heavy-hitting intro into an uplifting, melodic reflection. The bass-driven arrangement provides a steady, contemplative pulse, allowing fiery guitar interludes to shine through with poignant bursts of energy. The song’s dynamic shifts make for a captivating listen, offering both moments of introspection and bursts of cathartic release. All wrapped within in a swirling, evocative soundscape.
A haunting, atmospheric piece, ‘Wake Up’ leans into its eerie, immersive soundscape. The deep bassline serves as the track’s heartbeat, while shimmering guitar layers drift in like specters in the night. A hypnotic female harmony adds a ghostly depth, heightening the song’s already cinematic quality. The chorus—“Wake up, there’s never been a right time”—delivers an urgent plea, a desperate call to action that resonates in today’s uncertain world. The song builds to a climactic finale, where the interplay of bass, guitar, and vocals converge into a powerful sonic maelstrom, evoking a sense of both desperation and determination.
“Back Into The River II” brings the EP full circle, this alternate version of the title track strips down the intensity in favor of a more introspective, acoustic-driven approach. But don’t be fooled—this isn’t a simple reprise. The track’s undercurrent of restrained tension constantly hints at an imminent eruption, and when the electric guitars do finally crash in, it’s a moment of pure catharsis. The duality of these two versions showcases Matwiv’s ability to reinterpret his own work, providing a fresh perspective on an already powerful song.
‘Back To The River’ is a formidable debut that solidifies JJ Rane as an artist unafraid to dig deep, confront raw emotions, and channel them into something both visceral and refined. While the EP wears its influences proudly with echoes of the all but lost brooding intensity, emotive grit, and the alternative swagger of the early 2000s—it also carves out a distinct sonic identity that is wholly its own. The EP’s production choices, layered instrumentation, and emotionally charged performances make for an immersive listening experience, one that demands multiple revisits to fully appreciate its depth.
More than just a collection of songs, ‘Back To The River’ is an unfiltered, deeply felt journey through the highs and lows of introspection, longing, and sheer rock ‘n’ roll energy. For fans of gripping guitar work, evocative storytelling, and music that demands to be felt as much as it is heard, JJ Rane’s debut is an essential listen. This is rock music at its most unfiltered—honest, powerful, and unapologetically raw.
With ‘Back To The River’, JJ Rane doesn’t just step onto the rock scene—he makes an unforgettable entrance, one that leaves an indelible mark on anyone who listens. His ability to seamlessly merge past influences with a modern sensibility positions him as an artist to watch, one who is not merely reviving rock’s legacy but actively shaping its future.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjranemusic
Streams: https://snd.click/r6vp
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