It’s been a long time coming, but some things are worth the wait. Acclaimed British roots-rock band Jawbone have released their long-anticipated second album, Jawbone II, out now via 5dB Records (also home to anaiis, Ashaine White, and MOULD). Arriving seven years after their 2018 debut, Jawbone II reintroduces the quartet with the full force of their signature blend: timeless songwriting, masterful musicianship, and a rare kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.
Jawbone
Formed in 2014, Jawbone is a collaboration between four highly respected musicians: Marcus Bonfanti (guitar/vocals), Paddy Milner (keys/vocals), Rex Horan (bass/vocals), and Evan Jenkins (drums). Collectively, they’ve spent the past two decades performing with legends like Tom Jones, Chuck Berry, Van Morrison, Imelda May, Garth Hudson, and Shuggie Otis, building reputations as world-class players across blues, jazz, rock, and soul.
But Jawbone is where it all comes together—a band in the truest sense, where egos are left at the door, and the music is the glue. Their 2018 eponymous debut earned praise for its tightly-wound arrangements and heartfelt delivery. With Jawbone II, the band picks up where they left off and dives even deeper—this time playing not just with precision, but with presence. The album was recorded almost entirely live, capturing the electricity of four seasoned players pushing each other in real time.
“Someone asked us why we wanted to make Jawbone II,” the band shared. “For us, ‘why?’ was never in question—we love the feeling we get when we’re all in a room, playing and singing together. That’s what we’ve captured on this record. It’s us, doing what we love.”
Jawbone II was born from a simple, organic process. The band initially gathered at Paddy Milner’s north London home, writing around the upright piano in his living room. From there, they took the material to 5dB Studios, where they made the key decision to record the songs live, playing together as they would on stage. That live-in-the-room vibe permeates every track. From the swirling harmonies of Horizons Of Hope to the introspective yet uplifting groove of The Tide, the record pulses with emotional honesty. Each song is driven by a rock-solid rhythm section and enhanced by the band’s hallmark three-part vocal harmonies, which bring a unique warmth and immediacy to the storytelling.
Thematically, Jawbone II touches on some of life’s big questions—loneliness, mortality, hope—but does so with an undercurrent of resilience and even joy. “The songs are written and played honestly,” the band says. “But always with a smile and an optimistic wink.” It’s this ability to balance emotional depth with musical joy that sets Jawbone apart. Whether they’re channeling classic R&B, psychedelic folk, or vintage rock ‘n’ roll, the band sounds fully grounded—tight as ever, yet open to spontaneity.
Each member of Jawbone brings a wealth of experience—and it shows. Bonfanti’s expressive guitar work and soulful vocals, Milner’s genre-hopping keys and vocal finesse, Horan’s fluid and inventive basslines, and Jenkins’ tasteful drumming all converge with instinctive ease. These aren’t hired guns trading solos—they’re storytellers, creating a unified sound that’s greater than the sum of its parts. And while Jawbone II is undeniably a studio achievement, it’s meant to be experienced live. Earlier this year, the band supported Imelda May on tour, delivering their new material to sold-out crowds. They’ll follow up the album release with a special headline show at The Water Rats, London, on July 2nd—a chance for fans to witness their chemistry firsthand in an intimate setting.
Track Highlights:
- The Tide – A slow-burn anthem that builds from quiet reflection to soulful release, anchored by rich harmonies and subtle organ textures.
- Horizons Of Hope – A burst of upbeat optimism with soaring melodies and jangling guitars, perfectly encapsulating the band’s new chapter.
- Lonely Highway (unreleased highlight) – A road-weary blues-rock number full of vintage grit and lyrical poignancy.
In a landscape dominated by digital polish and algorithmic soundscapes, Jawbone II is a reminder of what happens when four humans gather in a room and make music the old-fashioned way—together. It’s a record that invites you in, wraps around you like a warm coat, and lingers long after the final note. For fans of classic songwriting, rich vocal harmonies, and musicians who play from the soul, Jawbone II is a must-listen—not just a continuation of the band’s story, but a bold and beautiful new chapter.
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