The Jim Jones Review (Live Review of Jim Jones and The Righteous Mind)

The Jim Jones Review

(Review of Jim Jones and The Righteous Mind)

When asked what Jim Jones wants his newest musical venture ‘Jim Jones and The Righteous Mind’ to be known for, it is the question he takes the longest to answer. 

“Rock ‘n’ roll,” he states.

However, you can sense a feeling of uncertainty as he thinks; it’s obvious Jones doesn’t feel comfortable being pigeon holed. 

Jim Jones (originally James) has captained a few mayhem-fuelled musical ships in his lifetime that has seen him fronting Thee Hypnotics, The Jim Jones Revue and now, Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind. The differentiation between the final two bands is key and one I find most interesting; it almost suggests that Jones has matured in his approach to music. ‘The Revue’ body of work was the first I ever heard of Jones and is an attitude-packed, energy fuelled explosion. ‘The Righteous Mind’ body, although harbouring the same qualities, is more spacey and gothic suggesting a slight air of mellowness. However, it is still embodying the rock ‘n’ roll spirit that Jones wants to carry.

The band are playing The Joiners in Southampton and play a long set consisting of 17 tracks. The set surprises me as, previously mentioned, I was expecting something a little slower than what we are given. Between tracks there are few breaks; Jones goes straight into the next tracks- packing a harder drive each time. If there are short breaks between songs, the chat is minimal, punchy and perfect. 

Bursts of go-go dancing on stage gives the band a new dynamic to their aesthetic and highlights the level of performance. Despite having the most gorgeous woman on stage dancing giving the set its distinctive seasoning, it’s rather hard to take your eyes off Jones. He struts around on the stage fluttering in-between playing guitar, singing and dabbling in percussion. Track ‘Satan’s Got His Heart Set on You’ is a chilling refresh half-way through the set. The comfortable addition of keys throughout this track (and all of them actually) can’t help but add to the bluesy feel. Jones clearly shouts, “Satan’s got a hard on for you” throughout the track whilst the minimal beat adds a tasteful energy lurking behind the backing vocals. The band then jump straight into Beatles cover, ‘Helter Skelter’. I chatted to Moana, the band’s go-go dancer during soundcheck about how it’s normally best to not attempt to cover The Beatles- the phrase “don’t fix what ain’t broken” springs to mind. However, Jones and his troops prove me wrong. The song is perfectly suited to the bands energy and look, flawlessly providing a vintage, rock ‘n’ roll twist to their set.

Everything about Jim Jones and The Righteous Mind’s set is so right; it’s sexy but not sleazy, chilling yet fast-paced and all round cool. I don’t think there’s much that Jones can’t do and his rock ‘n’ roll elation is one that I can’t help but feel sorry for anyone who missed it.

Catch the band on tour HERE if you feel as gutted as you definitely should about missing this show