With Number 2, HebbaJebba invites listeners not just to hear their music but to inhabit it. Released alongside a thoughtfully crafted book accompaniment, the band doubles down on the concept of the album as a holistic experience, not just a collection of songs. In an era where streaming has turned music into background noise, HebbaJebba makes a compelling argument for the sanctity of the long-player album, reminding us of the joy in truly listening.
That ethos permeates every track on Number 2. While their 2021 self-titled debut introduced the band as DIY indie rockers with a knack for catchy hooks, Number 2 showcases a more ambitious and reflective side. They’ve expanded their sonic palette without losing the raw, earnest energy that makes them so endearing. At the same time, the album’s accompanying book—complete with lyrics, photos, and musings—offers fans a tactile, multi-sensory connection to the music.
It’s a bold statement in favor of slowing down, and it’s clear the band has put their hearts into making this album something to hold onto, both figuratively and literally.
Musically, Number 2 strikes a balance between nostalgia and growth. Tracks like “Rock and Roll Band” and “Swagger” channel the playful side of indie rock, brimming with humor and charm. The former is a rollicking opener that captures the complicated relationship between fans and their idols, while the latter nods to ’90s alt-rock with its laid-back groove and standout guitar solo. Both feel like natural extensions of the band’s earlier work but with a polish that wasn’t as present on their debut.
One of the album’s most compelling traits is its willingness to explore vulnerability. “(PF)” begins softly, almost introspectively, before bursting into an instrumental crescendo that feels like a declaration of independence. The refrain captures themes of self-discovery and reinvention. Similarly, “It’s Fine” balances resignation with hope, its repeated refrain becoming a quiet anthem for anyone navigating the chaos of modern life.
Midway through, HebbaJebba leans into narrative songwriting. “Down to the Wire” is a groove-heavy track with standout riffs and lyrics that tap into the universal pressure of never quite keeping up. “I’m a Weed,” though slightly more frenetic, captures the raw frustration of a breakup, channeling the likes of Pavement or Dinosaur Jr. in its relentless energy. “What Do You Want Me to Say?” shifts gears, blending country-rock warmth with an undercurrent of self-doubt, while “Wings of a Dove” offers a shimmering, Modest Mouse-esque meditation on longing and transcendence.
The album’s closing stretch reveals the band’s most adventurous work. “I’m Tired” is a cathartic exploration of relationship fatigue, with lyrics that cut straight to the heart of unresolved tension. Then there’s “Change My Heart,” a seven-and-a-half-minute finale that feels almost cinematic. Beginning with distinct sounds of traffic built on guitar, the track builds slowly, layer by layer, into a sweeping crescendo that fades out with a minute-long meditation of birds chirping. It’s a powerful conclusion, not just to the album but to the immersive experience HebbaJebba has curated.
While Number 2 is undeniably a triumph for the band, it also raises an intriguing question: Where do they go from here? The album’s book accompaniment, with its plea to “stop time” and truly engage with music, suggests a band deeply invested in the album-as-art form. In an industry that rewards immediacy and disposability, HebbaJebba is swimming against the current—and succeeding. But how far can they push this ethos? Will they lean even further into experimental territory, or will they refine their indie rock core?
Whatever direction they take, HebbaJebba has already proven they’re more than capable of evolving. Number 2 is not just an album—it’s a statement. It asks listeners to put their phones down, pick up the book, and lose themselves in the music. And in doing so, it reminds us why we fell in love with albums in the first place.
Cleopatra Patel