EP REVIEW: Hey Angel – jackie

Since the release of their debut EP, New At Drugs, in 2020, Toronto trio JACKIE have amassed almost a million streams on Spotify. Eager to build on that momentum, the three-piece, who comprise lead singer Jackie Mohr, drummer Max Trefler and guitarist Marc Girardin, are back with a brand new EP, entitled Hey Angel.

The EP opens with recent single My Best Years. Written by Mohr in 40 degree heat, it’s an upbeat song that is perfect for a summer’s day. However, the lyrics are quite sad as they talk about feeling hateful of oneself. On the other hand, there is also the chorus, which is full of hope (“My best years are callin’/My fears are far behind“). It’s the best song to open on, getting the record off to a bright and hopeful start.

On the other end of the spectrum is Love To Give. A moody, bass-heavy song, it stands in stark contrast to the opening song. However, the lyrical theme of moving forward is consistent. This can be seen throughout the six-track EP. Right This Time (Don’t Wanna Be) is an acoustic song that wouldn’t feel out of place in an indie coming-of-age film. Again, it deals with inner turmoil, with Mohr quoted as saying: “I usually do my best work when I feel self loathing.” JACKIE are clearly confident in both their song-writing and musical style, offering up tracks like Leaving Tomorrow (Figure It Out) – is a heart-wrenching, piano-led piece.

The different tempos of music should make for a jumbled EP that is directionless, but producer Jackson Willows doesn’t let this happen. He allows each song to be itself, whilst also fitting as part of the EP. The pacing is not ruined by songs that do not fit well together. In fact, the EP is all the better for the different songs. Filter is a highlight as it is a simple song about moving on. The entire EP is like this, however, it’s not repetitive as each song has a unique twist. In Filter‘s case, there’s a fade out at the end of the song which gives it a mystical feeling, for example.

Final song I Can’t Forget The Feeling starts off with an instrumental introduction that goes on for almost two minutes. As the previous song faded out, this introduction feels like an interlude that bridges the two songs together. When the song kicks in, it is an upbeat, guitar-driven number that is reminiscent of the first track, which feels like a full circle moment for the EP.

In conclusion, JACKIE have created an EP that is memorable and easy to listen to. Hey Angel would sound comfortable in between COURTNEY BARNETT, SHARON VAN ETTEN and BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN on a playlist. The production is fantastic as each song is allowed to breathe and be its own thing. However, it also plays a vital part of the EP. The six songs are not wasted, and none feel like filler, with the overall results making for an outstanding effort from a new band who are maturing into an exciting new act.

Rating: 9/10

Hey Angel is set for release on January 27th via Perfectly Sane Music.

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