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The Jackson Hives - Self-Titled (EP)
Have you ever thrown in a new CD and known within the first
few seconds that you would probably like everything on the disc?
That is how my experience listening to The Jackson Hives self-titled
EP began. The first few strums of
the guitar set in motion a melancholy, wistful tone that carried on throughout
the opening track, Cowboy and through the rest of the EP.
In Cowboy, we hear lead vocalist Michael Swart sing a simple line
I want her, she wants me, well get together, but with enough emotion to
make you feel sorry for him--as if you know hes really only trying to
convince himself. He sings to you in that half-Southern/half-faux-British accent
that all those lead singers from North Carolina have experimented with ever
since the Smiths came across the Atlantic. The disc continues with calming melodies that blend ringing
guitars with the harmonizing voices of Swart and backup singer John Golden.
These vocals are quite reminiscent of the David Lowery/Johnny Hickman
combination of Cracker. (Interesting,
irrelevant tid-bit of information: drummer Jon Leeds used to be in a band,
Sticky, that played with Cracker and recorded on David Lowerys Pitch-a-Tent
record label.) In track three,
which the CD jacket refers to as the synth version of Alone, the Jackson
Hives mix in a few eerie sound effects that almost throw off the soothing sound
of the disc if not for Swarts ever-calming vocals.
The more upbeat Song About You is the poppiest song on the EP (with
Cowboy as a close second), and Swart resembles Lowery here more than
ever. The final track, Need Some
Change, brings the EP full circle as the tempo, tone, and subject matter of
the opening track somewhat return, aside from the haunting climax at the final songs
conclusion. The four musicians that make up The Jackson Hives have been
playing in various bands in and around Wilmington, NC for years now.
While I am unfamiliar with any prior projects, it is safe to say that
this EP could be the beginning of something amazing.
And even if Im over-hyping, The Jackson Hives is still the kind
of disc you want to be listening to on a lazy summer day, as youre about to
go outside, relax, reflect, and feel the Southern sunshine on your shoulders.
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