JR JR reintroduced themselves at Union Transfer

JR JR | photo by Doug Interrante

Daniel Zott and Josh Epstein of JR JR (formerly known as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.) are an undividedly on-beat duo with unique skills for making crafty, pure indie pop. Their new self-titled album has flown a little under the radar, yet it brings what fans love most about the group – catchy and enjoyable music.

At Union Transfer on Wednesday night, both Dan and Josh spoke very fondly about their love for Philadelphia and the energy they receive each time they play the city. Towards the end of the show Dan told a story about how the first time he ever heard a fan sign along to their lyrics was at their first Philly show at Kung Fu Necktie back in 2011.

JR JR addressed what they called “the elephant in the room” regarding the bands name change by saying “it felt like the third member of the band left” and found them themselves with only JR JR. Perhaps being asked to shed the four-year-old namesake for something more trim was a favorable idea – it’s a sign of the pair’s constant musical evolution, and the newly self-titled album is a perfect introduction to their new brand identity.

Crowd favorites from the evening were “Morning Thought,” “Caroline,” “Gone,” “Almost Lost Detroit,” “Nothing But Our Love,” and the first song they ever recorded together – “Simple Girl.”