On Rx2, Canadian alt-rock trio Jaded Truth unleash a grim, high-concept sequel to their 2020 debut Rx—and the result is a dark, immersive dive into a dystopian soundscape where grunge meets shoegaze, and rebellion simmers under the surface of addiction and control.
Out April 25, Rx2 feels like a cinematic fever dream, pulling from the moody sludge of Alice in Chains, the raw urgency of early Nirvana, and the hazy, enveloping tones of shoegaze. Lead single “Reporix” sets the tone with crawling riffs and an atmosphere thick with paranoia. It’s a slow-burn introduction to a world overtaken by a malevolent pharmaceutical giant—a recurring villain throughout the album’s narrative arc.
Frontman Kyle Woodland takes center stage not just with searing vocals and gritty guitar work, but also as the conceptual architect of this sonic journey. Drummer and producer Michael Small handles the production with surgical precision, layering the album in eerie skits and ambient transitions that tie the story together. Meanwhile, bassist Ryder Whiffen (alongside guest bassist Aaron Jones on select tracks) anchors the record’s emotional weight with pulsing low end.
From the bone-crushing groove of “Corporation” to the ghostly wash of “Martyr,” Jaded Truth blurs the line between storytelling and sonics. There are moments of unrelenting heaviness, but just as many where atmosphere and mood dominate—showcasing a band confident enough to slow down and let the dread seep in.
Recorded across Newfoundland, Rx2 plays like a descent into a corrupted world and a broken psyche. It’s not always an easy listen, but it’s a bold, necessary one—especially in an era where concept albums are few and far between.
Verdict: Rx2 is Jaded Truth’s most ambitious work to date—an intense, genre-defying statement on manipulation, mental health, and rebellion. If you’re into story-driven records that pull no punches, this one deserves a spot on your playlist.
Standout Tracks: “Reporix,” “Corporation,” “Martyr”
🎧 Stream Rx2 now on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp
📺 Watch “Reporix” on YouTube
📍 Catch them live May 31 at Erin’s Pub, St. John’s NL (with a Nirvana cover set)
