Gregory Robson
10/09/09, 06:20 AM
The Static Jacks - Laces EP
Record Label: Self-released
Release Date: Oct. 6, 2009
Who?
The Static Jacks are a Westfield, NJ quintet inspired by the likes of The Strokes, The Clash and Joy Division. Laces is their second release.
How is it?
Pretty darn good. For those that weren't paying attention to their debut EP (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=944722) or their placement on the Absolute 100 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=53154192#post=5315 4192), or their showcase (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1300092), perhaps this review will be the one to do the talking.
First song "Woah Woah Woah," is a decided homage to The Clash and gives a taste for vocalist Ian Devaney's off-beat vocal style. Second track "Parties and Friends (and bullshit)" is arguably one of the year's best songs and has the arresting, can't-resist charm of Vampire Weekend's "Oxford Comma." While the songs vary dramatically in their sonic scope, they both hint at a rather authentic 20-something experience. With lines like, "I don't like your parties, I don't like your friends, and I don't like the beer you drink, but I can't say please don't do that again," there's a certain familiarity with both the material and the message that most can relate to. Anchored by a soaring chorus and jittery guitars, "Parties And Friends (and bullshit)" is most definitely a song the band can rest their laurels on. The album's remaining songs include "My Parents Lied," a mix of angst, sandpapery vocals and catchiness; "Revolver," which begins rather promising and ends effectively; and "Who Are The Replacements?," a cheeky number that is replete with layers of guitars, a chugging rhythm section and a pointed nod to 70s punk. Ripe with confidence, polish, and a maturity that belies their age, The Static Jacks are more than worth the attention and the accolades.
1. Woah Woah Woah
2. Parties and Friends (and bullshit)
3. Revolver
4. Who Are The Replacements?
5. My Parents Lied
Henry Kaye: guitar
Ian Devaney: vocals
Spencer Kimmins: bass
Nick Brennan: drums
Michael Sue-Poi: guitar
The Strokes, Interpol, The Bravery, Longwave
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thestaticjacks)
Website (http://www.thestaticjacks.com)
Record Label: Self-released
Release Date: Oct. 6, 2009
Who?
The Static Jacks are a Westfield, NJ quintet inspired by the likes of The Strokes, The Clash and Joy Division. Laces is their second release.
How is it?
Pretty darn good. For those that weren't paying attention to their debut EP (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=944722) or their placement on the Absolute 100 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=53154192#post=5315 4192), or their showcase (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1300092), perhaps this review will be the one to do the talking.
First song "Woah Woah Woah," is a decided homage to The Clash and gives a taste for vocalist Ian Devaney's off-beat vocal style. Second track "Parties and Friends (and bullshit)" is arguably one of the year's best songs and has the arresting, can't-resist charm of Vampire Weekend's "Oxford Comma." While the songs vary dramatically in their sonic scope, they both hint at a rather authentic 20-something experience. With lines like, "I don't like your parties, I don't like your friends, and I don't like the beer you drink, but I can't say please don't do that again," there's a certain familiarity with both the material and the message that most can relate to. Anchored by a soaring chorus and jittery guitars, "Parties And Friends (and bullshit)" is most definitely a song the band can rest their laurels on. The album's remaining songs include "My Parents Lied," a mix of angst, sandpapery vocals and catchiness; "Revolver," which begins rather promising and ends effectively; and "Who Are The Replacements?," a cheeky number that is replete with layers of guitars, a chugging rhythm section and a pointed nod to 70s punk. Ripe with confidence, polish, and a maturity that belies their age, The Static Jacks are more than worth the attention and the accolades.
1. Woah Woah Woah
2. Parties and Friends (and bullshit)
3. Revolver
4. Who Are The Replacements?
5. My Parents Lied
Henry Kaye: guitar
Ian Devaney: vocals
Spencer Kimmins: bass
Nick Brennan: drums
Michael Sue-Poi: guitar
The Strokes, Interpol, The Bravery, Longwave
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thestaticjacks)
Website (http://www.thestaticjacks.com)