Album Review: I’m Through by Dorma Jean
Dorma Jean’s I’m Through is a raw, unfiltered dive into the gritty world of garage rock with a soulful twist. Released under Raven Records, this US-based project blends elements of rock and funk/soul in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly untamed. With songwriting credits going to Ronald J. Rich, the album packs an emotional punch without overthinking it—just straight-up honesty wrapped in fuzzed-out guitars and groovy basslines.
The standout track, “The Coming Of Age,” hits hard right from the opening riff. It’s chaotic but deliberate, like a teenager figuring out who they are while screaming at the top of their lungs. The guitar work here is crunchy yet melodic, pulling you into its whirlwind of youthful rebellion. You can almost picture a dimly lit basement show where everyone’s swaying awkwardly but completely lost in the moment. It’s not perfect—and maybe that’s why it sticks. There’s something real about how unpolished it feels, like Dorma Jean isn’t trying too hard to impress anyone—they’re just being themselves.
Then there’s the title track, “I’m Through.” If “The Coming Of Age” is the wild introvert finding their voice, this one’s the breakup anthem you didn’t know you needed. The lyrics cut deep without getting all poetic or flowery; it’s more like overhearing someone vent after one too many drinks. The rhythm section shines here, locking into a tight groove that makes it impossible not to tap your foot. And when the chorus kicks in? Damn. It’s cathartic as hell—a mix of frustration and liberation rolled into three minutes of pure sonic release.
What makes I’m Through special isn’t its technical perfection (spoiler alert: it’s not perfect). Instead, it’s the vibe—the kind of record that sounds like it was made for smoky bars and late-night drives. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes.
Final thought? Listening to this album felt like stumbling across an old Polaroid photo tucked inside a dusty book. It’s rough around the edges, kinda faded, but full of stories waiting to be told. Oddly enough, I found myself wondering if Dorma Jean would’ve been bigger if they’d come out today—with streaming platforms and social media hype—but then again, maybe part of their charm lies in staying under the radar. Either way, give I’m Through a spin if you’re craving music that feels alive instead of manufactured.
