The Jackets
Intuition
Chaputa Records
Release: 10/18/2024
The Jackets have been rewriting the book on all things garage rock for nearly twenty years. This has been perfected through dynamic performances and a succession of solid releases. After much anticipation they have at last released a new album called Intuition. This record boasts a keen sense of restraint while exploring introspective romanticism and hopeless rebellion. It’s a form invoking a blend of contemporary freakbeat influenced garage punk with mind altering psychedelic sensibilities. The outcome is a record demanding to be heard without the burden of delay.
The first track of Intuitions is “Crossing Streets.” This song captures the essence of a reserved yet driving bass, pounding drum beats and fuzzed out garage twisted with psychedelia. It’s a style that sets a theme for the Jackets and is largely thanks to Jack Torea’s gutiar work and pronounced yet haunting echoing vocals.
Following through in this vein is “Ours Forever.” This track twists and turns with pounding psychedelia by involving a shy and hopelessly romantic method. It’s the kind of track to get close to while under a definitive sound of mod induced garage punk. Consider “Ours Forever” to be a perfect listen for the desperate sensations of an rock n’ roll all nighter. So. play it loud, for the night is young and under the right conditions, forever.
One of my favorites on Intuition is “Gambling Town.” This song welcome a story of the allures of gambling town and the need to be lost in it’s thorough of witching night madness. Don’t spare the dime for the juke box for this one. This is a track that ought to be on repeat for the broken and battered souls. be sure to play “Gambling Town” without hesitation.
Jumping back on the garage punk sound is “Lies.” This track stands out thanks to a snarling beat and fuzzed out guitar. It’s a testament to The Jackets signature stripped down, primitive freakbeat meets garage rock. In a similar approach is “I Tried.” This one is perhaps my favorite song on Intuition. This is because of it’s blending fantastic notions of contemporary garage with a precise hook of a psychedelia production. Both songs are captivating in their own right and deserve to be heard.
The tile track “Intuition” captures the magic of the previously mentioned feelings while adding it;s own flavor. This song twirls in the ethos of provocative garage punk vibrancy whole melding a distinct surf element to its; ensemble. Theme wise it’s very much a love and lost song. “Intuition” describes the harrowing distance of a faltering relationship. However, what grips me with “Intuition” is a kind of sedated pattern that nods towards the Jackets previous album Shadows of a Sound. Overall though it’s a subtle beat groove, but packs a punch.
Perhaps the most striking song on Intuition is “Master Plan.” This is one that flaunts a strong, tight build up thanks to Chris Rosales drum beats and Sam Schmidiger cruising bass lines. “Master Plan” comments on the absurdity involving the current dominance of disruptive conspiracy theories plaguing todays world. This is done in a kind of carnivalesque approach. The result is an unholy theatrical match reminiscing of Arthur Brown coalescing with primitive nature of Reverend Beatman. It’s a fun and wild track that bares more than a second listen.
For me this record is the worthy addition to an already strong discography. The Jackets prove time and time again they hold nothing back and only deliver excellence . Thanks to The Jackets rock n’ roll is still here to stay. This is due to consistently tight song writing and expounding instrumental progression. With each listen of Intuition, one can be constantly wrapped around in a universe of stimulating, fuzz induced intrigue. To miss out on this experience would be a display of deteriorating poor judgement. Waste no time. Check out Intuition and don’t spare the dial on your receiver. This is the music meant for the rock n’ roller.
