Why JBNG’s ‘Many Moons’ Is the Genre-Bending Alt-Rock Track Hip-Hop Heads Need to Hear
Look, I know what you’re thinking. You clicked on This Is Hip Hop HQ, expecting me to break down some heavy 808s, intricate internal rhyme schemes, or the latest underground rap beef. Instead, you're looking at a review for a track labeled "Rock/Punk" from an artist based out of Vancouver, Canada.
Before the genre purists start writing an angry manifesto in my comment section, let me clear the air: Great music doesn't care about your labels.
When JBNG (the musical alias of Jaben John Groome) slid "Many Moons" into my submission queue, it didn't just cross genre lines—it completely ignored them. From the very first spin, this record grabbed me by the collar and forced me to listen. It turns out that some of the best rhythm, pocket, and emotional depth happening right now isn't coming from a sampler; it's coming from a grunge-fusion project recorded at Echoplant Studios.
The Recipe Behind the Vibe
"Many Moons" is the inaugural drop of a massive, hyper-ambitious 10-month campaign for JBNG’s fifth concept album, Breathe.
To bring this sonic ecosystem to life, Groome locked himself in the studio with producer David Ziehr and assembled a powerhouse team of collaborators.
| Contributor | Role on "Many Moons" | What They Bring to the Table |
| Jaben John Groome | Vocals, Songwriting, Guitar | The emotional anchor; raw, smoky, raspy delivery. |
| Dave Martone | Guest Guitar & Bass | Legendary fretwork that adds pristine texture and groove. |
| Matt Koopman | Drums | A crisp, rhythmic pulse that keeps the track fiercely grounded. |
| Chelsey Laing | Backing Vocals | Ethereal vocal contrast that rounds out the track's atmosphere. |
Sonic Medicine: When the Pocket Meets the Soul
What makes a hip-hop head fall in love with an alternative rock record? The pocket.
The production on "Many Moons" moves with a subtle, hypnotic, and danceable pulse. It has this incredible late-night, windows-down rhythmic cadence that makes you instantly nod your head. It’s laid-back without being lazy, and energetic without being chaotic.
Over this smooth sonic landscape, Groome’s vocal delivery is an absolute masterclass in musical awareness. He doesn't fight the instrumental or try to over-sing the production. Instead, he rides the beat like a seasoned emcee, showing an impeccable sense of timing and restraint. His voice carries a weathered, smoky grit—reminiscent of Tom Waits mixed with a bit of classic John Rzeznik—giving the track a raw, unfiltered layer of vulnerability.
Music as Medicine: In his bio, Jaben openly discusses discovering the healing powers of singing as a personal coping mechanism to manage PTSD and bipolar symptoms, effectively using music to pull his nervous system out of fight-or-flight mode.
You can genuinely feel that therapeutic release in the music. This isn't corporate radio rock manufactured by a boardroom of suits; it’s an authentic, soul-baring eviction of internal noise.
Nostalgia is a Hell of a Drug
Structurally, "Many Moons" shines in its deliberate simplicity. JBNG opts for a clean, straightforward chorus-verse arrangement. By refusing to overcomplicate the composition, the melody is given maximum room to breathe. The hook catches you effortlessly, embedding itself in your brain after a single listen.
But the real magic is the emotional time travel. The moment the track kicks in, it triggers a powerful wave of nostalgia. It instantly transports you back to those completely carefree youthful days—the ones filled with simple joys, ambient late-night conversations on the hood of a car, and the absolute freedom of living strictly in the moment. It taps directly into memory, which is the highest compliment you can pay to a piece of songwriting.
The Final Verdict
Vibe & Atmosphere: 10/10
Vocal Delivery: 9.5/10
Production & Groove: 10/10
Replay Value: Extremely High
"Many Moons" is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant masterpiece that proves authenticity will always cut through the noise of any genre blockades. JBNG has created something genuinely special here, and it deserves a spot on your playlist whether you're a rock purist, a hip-hop enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates phenomenal songwriting.
Keep your eyes on Vancouver. If the rest of the Breathe campaign looks and sounds like this, we are witnessing the rise of an indie giant.
Rating: 10/10 — An absolute must-listen.
