In any artistic endeavor, putting in the time and persistence will always be needed to get better at your craft. Songwriting especially takes years of trial and error to truly find your voice. Another big piece is finding the people that share your vision, and work ethic to bounce ideas off of. All these prerequisites have been met in our recent discovery JOURNOS.
The dynamic duo of Bryan Russo and Ryan Abbott have been in the music and journalism scene for quite a while on their own paths finding moderate success. Now together as JOURNOS they have unlocked a new chapter that may be even better than the sum of its parts.
On June 23rd the group will return with their sophomore album The Burning Question, a blistering follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2023 debut, In The Key Of WTF. The record, set for release on Bob The Organism Records, is a masterclass in indie Americana and blues-rock that doesn’t just push boundaries—it obliterates them with a sly grin and a whiskey-soaked swagger. Razor-sharp lyrics, infectious hooks, and a sound that’s equal parts dive bar and literary salon, JOURNOS delivers an album that’s as thought-provoking as it is foot-stomping.
From the opening title track, “The Burning Question,” the band offers up a fun and classic sound with a smart modern twist. There is plenty of sound filling the space, very impressive for the pair of songwriters. The quick beat gets the blood moving punctuated by some fancy guitar work and lyrical wordplay to grab attention.
There is ‘Nowhere To Hyde’ from JOURNOS
The lead single “Nowhere To Hyde,” which has already been making waves on indie radio, kicks off with a gritty guitar riff and a driving drumbeat courtesy of Scott Glorioso, setting the stage for Russo’s biting, Elvis Costello-esque vocals. More impressive wordplay dances around themes of identity and societal masks, with lines that cut deep yet beg for a singalong. It’s a perfect encapsulation of JOURNOS’ knack for crafting “deep-thinking songs that sound like hard-drinking songs,” as noted by Grammy-winning producer Malcolm Burn.
The energy is slowed down with “Full Salinger” and it’s more country americana vibe. The listener is permitted to ease in and absorb the music in a more relaxed setting. This doesn’t mean JOURNOS sits back though. They pour plenty of energy and technical skill into every note, as well as the vocals.
The chugging country blues of “Brand New Drunk” shows even more versatility while still staying in the sonic pocket that the band has set for us. We can put ourselves right into the story and feel like we are right there alongside the troubled protagonist aiming for a change.
Production-wise, The Burning Question is a masterpiece, with a polished yet raw energy that lets each instrument breathe. Everything is in the right place and an almost live tone puts the artists right in the room with you while you listen. Shea Springer of Sweetfoot Studios seems like a perfect choice here.
JOURNOS excel at balancing accessibility with depth, making The Burning Question an album that rewards repeated listens. It’s the kind of record that feels like a conversation with an old friend—one who’s seen some shit but still knows how to pull you into the story and make you laugh along the way. As they continue to carve out their space in the indie underground, this album proves they’re here to stay—and I feel confident they’ve got plenty left to say.
Jump in and enjoy the ride at wearejournos.com
