Jumping the Gun Releases "Paranoia" which Just Might Be Their Breakthrough Moment

It’s really hard to get on my musical radar because I tend to fixate on a small number of bands. Unless you are named My Chemical Romance, Simple Plan, Sleeping With Sirens, Green Day, or The Used, then good luck on getting much airplay in the Raymer vehicle. However, one band that is slowly clawing their way into my heart is a band from the Pensacola, FL area named Jumping the Gun.

Jumping the Gun is comprised of Hannah Mahute (vocals, guitar), Howard Wallace (bass), Brian Blackwell (drums), and Tyler Suggs (lead guitar). The band just released their latest single “Paranoia” which is the first with Suggs on guitar. My first listen to the song was on my drive to work. This turned out to be a huge mistake because I spent the rest of the day trying to get the infectious rhythm and lyrics out of my head.

In the past, the band’s music has had more of an alt rock / indie sound. So, when Tyler Suggs’ heavy rhythmic riff kicked off the first few bars of “Paranoia” followed by a scream, my jaw dropped. Was I really listening to Jumping the Gun? Cast aside was the band’s old style, replaced by a dramatic shift to a heavier sound. This shift is also reflected in the song’s video with Mahute decked out in a one-piece leather outfit taking the guise of a metal queen.

The music certainly is heavier, but Mahute has managed to retain her characteristic vocal style for the transition. She continues to make heavy use of vocal flips which is prevalent in most of the band’s songs. It continues to remind me of Dolores O’Riordan of the Cranberries. While she is not the only singer that employs this technique, it is still unique enough that it continues to capture my attention.

Since its inception in 2015 as a garage band, Jumping the Gun had been a 3-piece outfit with Wallace, Blackwell, and Mahute as the only guitarist. The 2023 addition of Suggs as lead guitarist has added a new dynamic to the band as evident in both “Paranoia” and their live shows. Beside his opening riff which sets the tone for the song, he contributes a powerful melodic guitar solo which had previously been missing. from the band’s recordings.

Mahute shares, “Paranoia was a release we have been anticipating for a while. The song was written in May of last year when Tyler (lead guitarist) came up with the main riff. As soon as I heard the riff, my head took off with it. I immediately knew the energy and attitude that the rest of the song would need. By the time I met up with Tyler again I said, ‘Here is the rest of the song.’ Even since then we have been beyond excited to share this song with our fans. When we got together as a full band to play Paranoia for the first time, everything just fell into place.”

She continues, “Throughout the production of Paranoia we came across several issues that kept pushing the release back. Finally, in August of this year, we had the song completely recorded. Paranoia reminds us of the energy and excitement we felt along the way of making our vision come to life. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome; even if at times we all felt a little paranoid.”

I have been waiting for Jumping the Gun to have that breakthrough moment and hopefully this will be it. “Paranoia” is probably Jumping the Gun’s best work to date. The question going forward will be whether this is a momentary detour in their sound or if we will hear more of it in the future. The later certainly gets my vote. “Paranoia” is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Follow Jumping the Gun: