Drawing us in with a shimmering, guitar soundscape, laced with dimensionality and a high emotional quotient, Jimmy Eff and the Sundogs open Better Like Before with the prose, “I’ll never forget the day, when you shared your diagnosis, words just can’t convey, the maelstrom we are feeling…”
The opus expands with poetic prowess and a tale that feels highly personal, but also relatable. The track holds a cinematic allure, perfect for a sync deal in a movie like 50/50 (2011). The overarching message holds a cathartic and healing frequency, with the idea of trusting in the process, and knowing that things will be better – essentially, how the universe is conspiring in our favour.
As for some back story, Better Like Before began with a moment of fear and hope. We learn that Jimmy Eff wrote the song for Erica, the daughter of guitarist Chris, following her battle with aplastic anaemia. Aplastic anaemia is essentially a rare condition where our bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells.
The inspiration is raw and factual. It is about familial love and consciousness. It is quite brave to see how the band turned a private struggle into a universal story of resilience that we can all connect with.
Sonically, the track carries the band’s signature indie warmth. It is clean, beautifully mix and filled with optimism. The guitars chime tapping into a 60s power pop meets and 90s grunge hybrid energy, and overall, feels natural and human.
We also learn that the song is supporting the Aplastic Anaemia Trust and their 2025 Christmas Campaign. The video also blends family footage and real moments from other patients. It is a tribute, and a note of gratitude – a reminder of what intentional art and music can really do.
We have added Better Like Before to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Jimmy Eff and the Sundogs, including Parallel Lines, Pretty Lady, You’re Not Alone, and We Stand Together.