As Jianna Justice continue their transition from a solo project to a full-fledged trio, you can hear the group growing increasingly comfortable with the new dynamic and expanding their palette of sounds. That’s not to say, of course, that Justice herself is no longer the primary focus; indeed, her vocals, a mixture of organic warmth and keen observational clarity, still remain the planetary body around which everything else orbits. But “Enemy of Change,” the group’s third single since switching identities from Penny Lame, finds them exploring a fuller, louder sound and a wiry, almost post-punk aesthetic. Best of all, she and her band (Trent Johnson on bass and Colton Reeves on drums) make their evolution seem effortless.

Inspired by “Peanut Butter,” a poem by American poet and writer Eileen Myles, the song tackles themes, fittingly enough, of resisting and accepting the inevitability of change. Pairing sprightly grooves with waterlogged guitars, the tune creates its own natural tension over which Justice pokes at the dying embers of a faded relationship. Faced with the task of moving on, she acknowledges her ability to adapt and grow, but not without some measure of lasting damage:

“But this time / I’ll be better / Move slowly / Take small steps / Say big words / Give only enough to not get hurt” goes the chorus, which ably balances melancholy with a glimmer of perseverance. It’s not exactly reassuring, but then again, the first step in facing your enemy is understanding it.

Listen below.

More Info
Bandcamp: jiannajustice.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @jiannajusticemusic
SoundCloud: @jianna-justice