Royal Jackets - EP Review: ...Again
Music should never fit in a box.
It should refuse to be pigeon-holed. The best/most creative music is usually slightly bonkers.
It is twisted and defies logic but also connects. Royal Jackets new EP ...Again is certainly bonkers.
The jazz-rock insanity of Alan I’m bored gives an insight into the lyrical minefield that inhabits Jono Ashwell’s wonderfully off-kilter mind. There is a very retro Brit-rock feel to many of the songs on here.
Jono is a storyteller in the vein of Ray Davies (The Kinks) but with the kind of madness that Pete Doherty (The Libertines) also uses to great effect. Royal Jackets aren’t some nostalgic retro wannabe tribute act though.
Each song has its own unique identity. With three members of the band being session musician royalty and a singer who also studied music, there was a real danger of this EP being a wank fest of earnest riffery and endless drum solos but luckily Royal Jackets know when less = more.
What I am missing on this collection of songs though is the connection. That unexplainable buzz that makes me want to play a song over and over again. I can appreciate the creativity and musicianship of Royal Jackets but I can also take it or leave it.
The standout track for me is the melancholic No Luck. The most simple structure, simple melodies and a story told and delivered with flair and panache (first time I have ever used that word in a review)
The best music doesn’t fit in a box. It can’t be pigeon-holed and leaves you breathless and wanting more.
Royal Jackets tick two of those three boxes for me show check em out and they may become your new favourite band.
About Royal Jackets
Long term session guitarist Ben Jurisich also tutors and has played support slots for musical legends such as Eric Clapton, Bryan Ferry, Jeff Beck and Joan Armatrading. Ben also recorded with Iggy Pop and has played with many well-known New Zealand artists including Anika Moa, Julia Deans, Debbie Harwood and Jonny Love. Ben brings the rocking riffs with a touch of blues.
Bassist Matt Harvey has preformed in several bands and toured extensively around New Zealand playing a wide range of festivals and venues. Matt has also supported international artists such as John Mayer, Jimmy Barnes and Eric Clapton. Matt’s early musical roots were in jazz but has since developed into a diverse rock n roller adding complexities to the rhythm section.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Royal Jackets
Releases
Other Reviews By Paul Goddard
Skitch Hiker - Single Review: Slippery Wet Handshake
30 Jun 2023 // by Paul Goddard
Wow.Just when you have given up on music and banging your head against a brick wall wondering why Taylor Swift is more popular than toilet roll during a pandemic something like this comes along.
Read More...
Retro Valley - Single Review: Backseat Lovers
19 May 2023 // by Paul Goddard
Right from the opening bars of Backseat Lovers by Hamilton-based Retro Valley it is clear that this song is pure class.This 3-minute tune is a next-level lesson in how to create, perform and produce a pop/indie classic.
Read More...
Murmur Tooth and Lars Moston - Album Review: No Time To Explain
19 May 2023 // by Paul Goddard
Collaborations can work. Sometimes they do most of the time they don't.
Read More...
Album Review: Sex Dad's Greatest Hits: The Very Best Of Sex Dad
27 Dec 2022 // by Paul Goddard
Feeling bloated and underwhelmed. Listening to mainstream radio in the car as I left my phone at home.
Read More...
Marrow Neck - EP Review: Made Up
23 Nov 2022 // by Paul Goddard
Sitting here in a very wet and cold, rainy UK watching the oldies falling out of the local Wetherspoons where they have been on the piss since 9am (yep the UK is weird it's only the old people who can afford to get pissed all day).I am reflecting on the past as I listen to the latest EP Made Up from Auckland-based Mark Hannington.
Read More...
Amanaki - EP Review: Tempest
03 Nov 2022 // by Paul Goddard
Hardcore.It tends to mean extreme.
Read More...
Big Scout - Album Review: Council Sport
18 Aug 2022 // by Paul Goddard
It’s finally here. The first Long Player from Blenheim noisy buggers Big Scout.
Read More...
Memory Foam - Album Review: Steel Magnolias
28 Jun 2022 // by Paul Goddard
Did you know that Memory Foam creates a matrix of cells through which air can move? Me neither.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- TOO SWEET
Hozier - BEAUTIFUL THINGS
Benson Boone - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - LIKE THAT
Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar - END OF BEGINNING
Djo - I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
Artemas - WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
Ariana Grande - STICK SEASON
Noah Kahan - TEXAS HOLD 'EM
Beyonce - LEAVEMEALONE
Fred Again.. And Baby Keem
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
