SINGLE REVIEW: Village Liquors - Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines

Review by Rebecca McDevitt

Franklin Jonas steps into a new chapter with "Village Liquors", an indie-country single that radiates both grit and soul. The song feels like a window into Franklin’s story of growing up, facing himself, and embracing honesty. The banjo adds a perfect country twang, grounding the track in rootsy authenticity while still keeping it fresh and modern.

What makes Village Liquors stand out is its lyrical weight. When Franklin sings, “Too young to live, too young to die, I’m the aftermath of youth I sacrificed,” it’s chilling, a line that hits like a confession and a mantra at the same time. He threads together memories of late nights, self-discovery, and even getting high with the “Bible crowd,” painting a raw portrait of youth’s contradictions.

Photo by Rebecca McDevitt

(IG: @rebeccajeanlimitedphotography)

This track feels like the defining start of a new Franklin Jonas era. While his “rat era”, especially gems like Cherub, showed off his playful, experimental side, "Village Liquors" feels like him stepping into his most authentic skin as a songwriter. It’s reflective, heartfelt, and deeply human, giving listeners not just a song but a piece of who Franklin truly is.

"Village Liquors" isn’t merely a release, it’s Franklin Jonas showing us he’s built a sound and narrative that belong entirely to him.