Andrew Jackson Jihad

The Profile

Andrew Jackson Jihad (now AJJ) is an American folk-punk band formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 2004 by Sean Bonnette and Ben Gallaty. Known for frantic acoustic strums, sharp-witted, often dark lyrics, and a blend of lo-fi folk and punk energy, the group later expanded its palette with fuller arrangements. They changed their name to AJJ in 2016.

Core members: Sean Bonnette (vocals, guitar), Ben Gallaty (bass). Origins: Phoenix, Arizona. Notable albums: People That Can Eat People... (2007), Can't Maintain (2009), Knife Man (2011), Christmas Island (2014), The Bible 2 (2016), Good Luck Everybody (2020). Covered Neutral Milk Hotel’s Two-Headed Boy; Christmas Island produced by John Congleton. Name changed to AJJ in 2016.

Four reviews chart AJJ’s jump from skeletal, frantic folk-punk to fuzzed, orchestral indie rock. The focus is Bonnette’s nervy voice, knife-edged lyrics, and blistering acoustic attack, with themes of loneliness, faith, and social critique. Knife Man and Christmas Island get raves; the debut’s feral energy is celebrated. References span Neutral Milk Hotel to Temple Grandin. Overall: incisive, empathetic, and blisteringly catchy.