On a venn-diagram of all things Teppen! covers, Jobber is a perfect circle. With this blog, we set out to create a space to celebrate the little guys, the independent hardworking bands, artists, pro wrestlers and cheer for them. While it’s fun to cheer for The Rock in the world’s largest stadiums, there’s something to be said for cheering on a guy we all know will never main event WrestleMania. The Jobber to the Stars title alludes to a more prominent guy who goes out there, he may pick up wins, even score a belt, but when it comes to the big matches, they trust he’ll make the superstar look good before laying on the mat for the three count. Those guys are the workhorses of the wrestling world, and just like those hardworking bands and small venues, without them, there’s no foundation for the superstars to stand on.
The band Jobber is the project of singer and guitarist Kate Meizner, accompanied by Michael Falcone on drums, Michael Julius on guitar and keys, as well as Miles Toth on bass. The combo produces a raw sound, reminiscent of great bands like Speedy Ortiz and Hop Along. As one would expect from a band called Jobber, each track on Jobber to the Stars is instantly recognizable by any wrestling fan. The record’s opening bell sounds with “Raw Is War”, the peak-WWF era Monday Night TV show. “Pillman’s Got A Gun”, a reference to an infamous segment on that aforementioned show. There’s odes to the big shows, “Summerslam” and wrestlers like “HHH”
But you don’t need to be a wrestling fan to enjoy Jobber To The Stars. Jobber isn’t really a band that sings about wrestling – they take the struggles, both inside and outside of the ring, and use the medium as a lens to sing about everyday struggles. “Nightmare” is a shot at the corporate world, how defeating it can be watching others use you as a rung on the corporate ladder and being seen as dispensable. It’s paired with some just gnarly leads and just a fantastic track all around. That theme is continued on “Clothesline from Hell” (a track referencing the finishing move of a guy who became a financial talking head on Fox) with Meizner singing:
Compensation is in order Pipelines and contracts ready-made I only come here to get paid I only come here Repeat the mantra, stay contained Recite it ’til it hurts to say “I only come here to get paid”
The record is a force of nature at its core. Its snark and wit is accelerated by an incredible mash of punk, power pop, some grunge, and fuck, does the guitar work just kick your ass when you’re listening to it. Everything about how this record just sounds rules. The drumwork on “GoInG InTo bUsInEsS FoR MySeLf” is such an in-your face example, especially when paired with its delightful guitar riff.
There’s also the duo of title-tracks, which are the record’s slower tracks. “Jobber To the Stars Part 1” would be a welcome pace if not for its building intensity. The second part is a perfect closer to the record, complete with a few words from the Macho Man himself.
Jobber To The Stars is just a great record from bell to bell. It’s got so much heart in it, a wide range of influences, and is as honest as it is intense. It may even the greatest debut we’ve seen since Kane ripped that door off the cell.
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