The album is not a groundbreaking artistic statement. But not everything these days needs to be. What Jackson Square is is a solid rock album. What the listener doesn't get in bells and whistles is more than made up for by the heart and honesty of the band.
The songs, like the lead-off single "Oh, The Boss Is Coming!", tend to be forceful efforts that should appeal to fans of The Walkmen and Cold War Kids. "Pullin' Punches" has a Ted Leo energy to it, while the stellar "Ballad Of Hugo Chavez" acts as an amped up campfire song.
There are of course some weaker moments. "The Choir" for example is a bland arena rocker that simply misses the mark.
The band is at their best, and most promising, when they mix up their guitar, bass, drums attack. The gritty harmonica on "No Champagne Socialist" and the horns and keyboards on "John Lennon" (not surprisingly the album's catchiest track) really add depth and a more organic feel to the record.
The Arkells show demonstrate solid chops on Jackson Square. I'm looking forward to hearing more from them as their sound becomes more refined. Watch out world!
Best tracks: "Ballad Of Hugo Chavez", "Heart Of The City"
Track listing for Jackson Square:
- Deadlines
- Pullin' Punches
- Oh, The Boss Is Coming!
- Ballad Of Hugo Chavez
- Tragic Flaw
- No Champagne Socialist
- Abigail
- Heart Of The City
- I'm Not the Sun
- The Choir
- John Lennon
- Blueprint
The Arkells are currently on tour with Matt Mays and El Torpedo. Canadian dates include:
- Thunder Bay, Nov. 1st, The Outpost
- Ottawa, Nov. 4/5th, Barrymore's
- Toronto, Nov. 6th, The Phoenix
- Hamilton, Nov. 8th, The Casbah
- Kitchener, Nov. 11th, Elements Night Club
- Kingston, Nov. 12th, The Ale House
- London, Nov. 13th, Cowboy's Ranch
7.0
1 praise/complaints:
I love this album! But I have to aruge with the best song since I think that Pulling Punches is much better! And their live concert is just as amazing!
Post a Comment