Indie Artist Buzz
January 9, 2025
Drawing comparisons to Iggy Pop, Ian McCulloch, and Gordon Lightfoot, Jaymes’s gravelly vocals are at the heart of this track. Rich with metaphor and wry humor, he reflects on the bittersweet irony of wanting to leave but never quite going, as delays and life’s other frustrations seem to pile up.”
Vocal Media
December 4, 2024
But Stranded isn’t just a song about waiting. It’s a clever, infectious anthem that digs into the deeper feeling of inertia so many people are wrestling with these days.
Whether it’s the stop start chaos of daily life, the world spinning its wheels, or a more existential sense of time looping back on itself, Jaymes captures this with his signature poetic wit, writing lyrics that are as sharply observant as they are relatable.”
SPOTLIGHT REVIEW
Dancing About Architecture
August 8, 2024
Just because a song has a poignant and powerful message doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun, too, right? After all, what better way to get the point home and try to educate people than without them realizing that they are being schooled? Even if it is subliminally.”
Indie Music Discovery
October 28, 2024
We find ourselves transported through the eerie quiet, Stephen’s raw yet melodic vocals then building up to a musical storm that mirrors the man’s doubt and fear as he faces the possibility that his guiding light – his anima – has become a source of threat rather than inspiration. “
Independent Artist Buzz
November 1 2024
Lyrically, Jaymes is at his poetic best and there is a strange push and pull feeling of being out of sync with his own muse. It’s music that you can feel in your bones. A reminder of the struggle we all face in making peace with our inner voice and struggles.”
Phonograph Me
October 30, 2024
Owner of a bohemian and very mystical style, Stephen Jaymes is an American musician and singer-songwriter, whose sound is authentic and true, very sensitive and emotional, while still being magnetic and urgent, creating delicious songs full of magic.“
Modern Mystery
October 29, 2024
The other thing about Jaymes’s songs is that the lyrics actually mean something. Something beyond the usual theme of the day, something that goes deeper and speaks to the psyche of the modern day. The uncertainty, the turmoil, the darker side of things if you like.”
Subba-Cultcha
October 22, 2024
By the time the song reaches its wordless chorus, it feels like the dam has finally broken, releasing all the bottled-up tension in a rush of emotion. The crescendo hits hard, with the music swelling into a swirling, chaotic storm before pulling back into reflective stillness. “
Vents Magazine
October 11, 2024
It’s a haunting track that blurs the line between reality and dreamscape, taking listeners on a turbulent emotional ride that seems to echo the psychological concept of the Jungian anima—a person’s feminine archetype within their unconscious.”
Modern Mystery
September 18, 2024
Stephen is an artist who tells bold stories through his music and visuals. The new single comes with an evocative video, taking us on a journey that merges personal memory with a sense of solitude and reflection. “
Independent Artist Buzz
September 4, 2024
Stephen Jaymes has once again proved that profound messages can come wrapped in irresistible tunes with his latest single, Last Predictable Summer.”
Expansión Radial
August 29, 2024
Jaymes stands out for his serious and deep voice, which brings a sense of gravity to the piece, while the instrumentation remains in a relaxed tone but rich in nuances.”
Indie Music Discovery
July 22, 2024
Known for his distinct folk-punk poetry, Jaymes has written a song that tackles the grim realities of our world while also making you want to dance through the chaos.”
Subba-Cultcha
July 16, 2024
His distinctive voice, reminiscent of icons like Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, carries a raw intensity and melodic charm.”
Modern Mystery
July 16, 2024
This cinematic manifesto, a punk-ironic folk opera, thrusts the viewer into a kaleidoscope of cognitive dissonance.”
Independent Artist Buzz
July 15, 2024
Jaymes’ voice, characterized by raw intensity and melodic charm, evokes comparisons to legends like Iggy Pop and Lou Reed. This vocal style is combined with lyrics that echo the profound thoughtfulness of Leonard Cohen and Phil Ochs, makes ‘Last Predictable Summer’ a standout track.”
Melodic Magazine
July 12, 2024
A compelling blend of folk and punk delivers a powerful message wrapped up in an irresistibly catchy tune.”
Kill The Music
October 3, 2023
If folk-punk poetry had a name it would be Stephen Jaymes.”
The Indie Source
September 22, 2023
Jaymes has a deep and strong voice and the message of the song balances humor and poignancy.”
Concert Crap
September 22, 2023
It’s about people. About you and me and the human condition. In other words, it’s about being human.”
Vents Magazine
September 19, 2023
It’s as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant, offering a mirror to our collective struggle with self-understanding. If you’re seeking music that challenges as much as it entertains, this track is well worth your time.”
Independent Artist Buzz
August 15, 2023
His newest single, the upbeat folk rock and punk infused single ‘Tokyo,’ is a rousing call to make the journey to a magical place that two people create together, even in the face of certain climate destruction.”
Modern Mystery Blog
August 4, 2023
It’s an escape from the apocalyptic scenes that pervade consciousness, a mythical name from a pre-apocalyptic past. As the singer invites his lover to go there with him, the song feels like a glimpse into a hopeful future.”
Roadie Music
August 4, 2023
Stephen Jaymes brightens the alternative rock scene with his sound full of emotion and talent.“
Divine Magazine
July 18, 2023
With thought-provoking lyrics, haunting melodies, and a raw musicality, ‘Chief Inspector’ stands as a testament to Jaymes’ artistic vision and fearless exploration of the human psyche.”
Modern Mystery Blog
July 14, 2023
The LA-based artist is a punk poet; a wounded-romantic; a sonic noir auteur and a post-apocalyptic hippie.”
Independent Artist Buzz
July 7, 2023
The relentlessly strummed guitar chords as well as the soft rifts create the perfect foundation for the vibe Stephen wants to create. The vibe in question is a guy from the wrong side of the tracks, fearlessly expressing emotion, while maintaining a cool energy. This is intoxicating to listen to and keeps the listeners hooked.”