Jem & Scout

Available 5/01/26 — There By Spring (Single)

SwankyTone Music is proud to unveil "There By Spring," the first in a series of unearthed '90s singles from Northern California indie-rock trio Jem & Scout. Born from a sun-soaked, sweltering afternoon day-drinking at a Davis dive bar, "There By Spring" is a masterclass in '90s indie power-pop. This song explores enduring themes of longing, wooing, and the spark of possibility, perfectly encapsulating Jem & Scout's kinetic and unpretentious sound. It rides on a relentlessly driving rhythm section anchored by bassist Brian Croom and drummer Brent Gee, paired perfectly with Lewis's urgent, jangly guitars. Lyrically, the track balances vulnerability with raw, unapologetic confidence, highlighted by the pleading, harmony-laden hook, "Just send me a sign if you want me to be / There by spring." Masterfully utilizing a ‘90s quiet/loud dynamic, the song is a testament to the timeless power of a perfectly crafted three-minute pop song.

Captured completely live in a Sacramento warehouse space in 1997 and previously circulated only on hand-dubbed cassettes, this is one track from an album full of songs consisting of a literal time capsule of the golden era of DIY scene-building. Now available digitally for the very first time, "There By Spring" delivers the urgent, jangly power-pop, relentless rhythm section, and signature quiet/loud dynamic that defined the band. This single kicks off a massive archival and restoration project, paving the way for a future full-length release of classic, previously unreleased material.

Whether you were there for the sticky-floored dive bar shows in Sacramento, Davis, and the Bay Area, or are just discovering Jem & Scout’s infectious hooks today, "There By Spring" proves that genuine chemistry and perfectly crafted three-minute pop songs simply never grow old.