Frantic Jack, Frantic Jack EP
Posted on 18th Oct 09 by Paul Groome | 
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A few months ago, the lads from Frantic Jack were in touch with us to review their single which was about to be released. By all accounts the two songs that were provided, Firefly with a ‘B side’ of another song called Vancouver, were two good, straightforward, folk/acoustic rock tunes. And I enjoyed them! Why [...]
A few months ago, the lads from Frantic Jack were in touch with us to review their single which was about to be released. By all accounts the two songs that were provided, Firefly with a ‘B side’ of another song called Vancouver, were two good, straightforward, folk/acoustic rock tunes. And I enjoyed them! Why wouldn’t I? Since then, their four track EP which was released on the 26th of September provides a more fleshed out view of what the band is trying to achieve musically. And it tries to give us something more to chew on.
Frantic Jack
The first song, Set Ablaze builds some tension at the beginning of the song and develops into a tune that’s worthy of a hearty sing-along.
Careless brings you back down to earth a little. A ballad about growing your wings, seizing your day, burning a trail and flying high. Its catchy and definitely likable. But as I’m listening to these songs there’s something bugging me and I can’t quite put my finger on it.
Hmm. Next song! Free has another upbeat acoustic rock verse with some rock influence at the build up to the chorus, and then ‘you’re gonna be free, freeier than you thought you could ever be‘ as the main chorus refrain kicks in. This is one of the more sunny and upbeat dittys.
Still though…something just isn’t clicking for me. Finally, Hang From The Gates. A song about death and loss. ‘The future’s looking empty, the world is looking dreary‘. Bit of a downer this one, but very heartfelt no doubt.
There’s an ingredient missing though. The songs stand up very well independently of each other, and perhaps thats their downfall. It struck me that each of the four tunes was an attempt at an epic tune, which becomes a little bit stale. The chorus refrains contain too many analogies and descriptions that are overused in rock already. It’s generally the tried and tested methods that are successful, true enough. But I can’t see through this rhetoric to get a glimpse at the bands real personality, and maybe that’s why it’s not doing it for me. These lads can put a tune together. Their musicianship fits the bill without being too flashy or showy and they’ve figured out what style of music they want to play and know how to structure that sound. Now they need to make it their own.
Drop-d Rating 7/10
Tags: Careless, Counting Crows, firefly, frantic jack, Free, Set Ablaze, vancouver