Review
Desoto Jones
Aurora

Deep Elm (2007) — Jason

Desoto Jones – Aurora cover artwork
Desoto Jones – Aurora — Deep Elm, 2007

Before I even really get into this review, I just need to let everyone out there in Scene Point Blank-land know that this album actually contains the lyric "You are speed bump in everyone's life." Not only is this line in the chorus which makes it repeated a few times, it's also the opening track under the same name. Speed bump; are you kidding me? Well I have feeling Aurora is going to be a pothole in my music listening life. Desoto Jones you may make me curse and worry about my non-existent car's axel, but will be all but forgotten by next turn.

The one-sheet that Deep Elm included with Aurora mentioned something about if this was the last thing that Deep Elm ever put out they would die a happy indie record label. Well good for you. If I put Aurora it would be my last release also since I would have realized I've lost my last shred of musical integrity after releasing this glossy doe-eyed Pro-Tools produced piece of schlock onto unexpecting ears.

If Desoto Jones isn't rewriting all of Jimmy Eat World's hits, they are trying master when Dashboard Confessional decided to plug in their guitars and rock out. Aurora is such a generic piece of emo-pop trash that I don't know who besides their five fans at the local community college's coffee shop would be into this. I suppose I could go check out Desoto Jones's Myspace and take a look at their fans, but why bother; we know the type - shy lonely slightly chubby girls that dress primarily in black and live on Livejournal.

I don't even know why I'm even bother listening to Aurora. I've heard Desoto Jones way too many times in my thirty-three years of existence on this planet. They are just another band that wants to be huge by writing songs that mirror what's popular with the "kids" these days. Last year this band was probably sporting size 44 JNCO jeans, braided their hair all weird, played their guitars as close to the ground as possible praying for an opening slot on Ozzfest.

Deep Elm, maybe it is time to wrap it up. Seriously how many more "speed bumps" does one have to go through? Aurora is so by the numbers I expected the CD to come with a small watercolor paint set. I can do nothing but sit here shake my head in disgust. I hope no one comes over and catches me listening to this.

2.0 / 10 — Jason • February 28, 2008

Desoto Jones – Aurora cover artwork
Desoto Jones – Aurora — Deep Elm, 2007

Related news

Deep Elm Signs Desoto Jones

Posted in Labels on November 2, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Psycho Beets

Horrendum
Trash Wax, White Riot Records (2026)

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS – “Mam w sobie diabła”, “Zombie”, “Listopadowa noc”, “Porque te vas” Fancy some Polish psychobilly punk? Well, you’re in luck. This is for anyone who takes their classic rock ’n’ roll swing with a heavy dose of horror and dark Western twang, blending rockabilly elements with Slavic folk and chaotic yet mysterious post punk -– all as the … Read more

Manicdotes

Eight Lives Down
Independent (2026)

The chemicals are rushing right out of the gate on this one. You start with a cigarette and dive straight into Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, to the lay person) to calm your nerves from that nicotine rush. This album starts off with a raucous acoustic punk number that will leave you craving more. So, it’s a good thing it’s only the first … Read more

Maruja

Pain to Power
Music For Nations (2025)

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS – “Look Down on Us”, “Born to Die”, “Break the Tension”, “Trenches” Ahead of their 100 Club appearance this September, Maruja’s latest release, 2025’s debut album Pain to Power – following a slew of six EPs, reveals awe-inspiring experimental rock clashed with muddy yet always melodious free jazz. Eclectic would be putting it mildly. In amongst all that, … Read more