Gentleman Jesse: I Wonder If You Would Even Notice – Singles And Rarities [Album Review]

Gentleman Jesse
I Wonder If You Would Even Notice: Singles And Rarities
Beach Impediment Records [2025]

“Hooks this sharp don’t age—Gentleman Jesse’s songs still cut straight through.”

Album Overview: Gentleman Jesse emerged out of Atlanta’s punk underground in 2006, quickly building buzz through singles and sweaty live shows. With drummer Dave Rahn (Carbonas) on board, the band fused basement grit with undeniable melody. At the center is Jesse Smith, whose knack for blending punk urgency with classic pop instincts made him a torchbearer of the mid-2000s power pop revival. I Wonder if You Would Even Notice pulls together the band’s first five years—early demos, singles, and alternate takes—into one collection. The LP covers 16 tracks, while the digital version tacks on seven extras, offering a wide-angle snapshot of Jesse’s early catalog. It works as both a time capsule of a scene and a reminder of just how sharp his songwriting already was. And the kicker? It still sounds fresh today.

Musical Style: Gentleman Jesse thrives on tight guitars, crisp rhythms, and hooks that burrow into your brain after a single spin. Rather than hide behind fuzz, the band leans into clarity and swing, channeling late ’70s power pop and jangly melodies but always playing with snap and urgency.

Evolution of Sound: Across these recordings, you hear Jesse’s progression from raw demos to singles polished enough to slide into any modern playlist. He hones pacing, layering, and vocal confidence, all while holding onto the immediacy that first set the band apart.

Artists with Similar Fire: The DNA here runs back through the Nerves, the Plimsouls, and the Exploding Hearts. In the 2000s, Jesse was in league with bands like Barreracudas, early King Tuff, and The Connection. Today, you can trace the spark through The Whiffs, Uni Boys, The Speedways, and The Reflectors.

Pivotal Tracks: “I Don’t Wanna Know (Where You Been Tonight)” remains the calling card—the first single that set the tone for everything that followed. “You’ve Got the Wrong Man,” from a 2010 HoZac Records 7″, shows Jesse’s ability to balance sharp lyricism with tempo-driven punch. “Romford Girls,” from the debut album sessions, proves just how sticky his refrains could be. And don’t sleep on the demos like “Going Into Town”—they reveal the process but hold up as strong standalone tunes.

Lyrical Strength: Jesse keeps it direct—short, heartfelt reflections on love, longing, and frustration. His writing is simple without being shallow, balancing vulnerability with punchy phrasing. That straight-ahead style gives his songs staying power, whether you’re spinning a scratchy 7-inch or streaming in hi-fi.

Final Groove: I Wonder if You Would Even Notice isn’t just a compilation—it’s proof that Gentleman Jesse’s vision was fully formed from the jump. These songs are lean, melodic, and endlessly replayable, a reminder that power pop can be both tough and tender without compromise. If this set captures the first spark, it also makes you wonder: what’s next for Jesse to prove that fire still burns just as brightly?

GENTLEMAN JESSE LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Beach Impediment Records