ALBUM REVIEW: Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – Handsome Jack
Finding an original sound these days is like trying to find riches in a gold mine. Hard rockers HANDSOME JACK are the latest band to fit that category. Their sound isn’t as heavy as CLUTCH yet it’s a lot more raw than BLACK STONE CHERRY. So, it is hard to say who their sound is similar to for comparison. They have released their third studio album Everything’s Gonna Be Alright for UK audiences. Judging from the music it produces, this album will place smiles across even the grumpiest of faces.
The New York trio have received praise from their fellow travelling rockers such Chris Robinson (CRB, BLACK CROWES), Zachary Gabbard (BUFFALO KILLERS) and Ben McLeod of ALL THEM WITCHES, who produced their new record. During anxiety and uncertainty ridden times, the album Everything’s Gonna Be Alright will be exactly what the doctor ordered.
The album begins with Keep On and within the first few seconds of the track, you are already smiling. You may even bob your head along to the beat or rejoicing in the soulful ambience the song gives off. That track alone entices the listener in to see what the rest of the album has to offer.
The record displays an eclectic selection of tracks that provides something for everyone to enjoy. With this in mind, the songs all have one thing in common. They all contain an infectious and soulful energy. Due to this strong energy, it is quite easy to imagine what they would sound like live. Clapping, singing along and completely immersing yourself come to mind.
Baby Be Cool is a heart-warming track. The soulful instrument arrangements lift up the already strong sounding track. These fuse well with the raw vocal technique and rough riffs from the guitars. The beat and bassline at the beginning of the track provide a smooth opening that encourage the listener to scratch the surface and dive right in.
Bad Blood is a rough and ready track. Compared to the rest of the album, it provides a slightly darker tone. These dark tones remind one of the TV Series Sons Of Anarchy, particularly with its dirty riffs and vocals. Regardless of the darker tone, there is still that soulful vibe. Particularly during the call and response section of the chorus, you just want to sing back to them. This is a track you can also really immerse into and forget your troubles for those few moments.
The catchy riff at the beginning of Hey Mama (Put Your Red Dress On) is enough to invite the listener in. The track makes you want to dance and sing in a blissful way. Not to mention you learn the chorus after only one listen and sing it from the roof tops. You wouldn’t think it was possible to achieve a laid back and uplifting vibe, this is exactly what this song does.
The closing track Got It Bad is the icing on the cake. It gives you one last dose of their authentic, empowering and relaxed sound before it’s time to go. The lasting impression Everything’s Gonna Be Alright leaves is precious and one that you don’t want to let go of anytime soon. Going through a hard time or just want to have a good time? Give this album a whirl, you won’t regret it.
Rating: 8/10
Everything’s Gonna Be Alright is out now via Alive NaturalSound.
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