Heavy Jack...
- Multiply (2008) - 3 ½
What do you get when you stick Led Zepplin, AC/DC and Pink Floyd in a blender? Heavy Jack!
The proceedings open with 'Bushfire', which should be played as high as you dare, a no nonsense rock 'n' roll stormer and sets the tone for what to expect here. Struggling to pick a favourite on this album I initially went for 'Movin' On', with its stomping 'Hoo-Hah!' backing vocals (if vocals could stomp) and straightforward: 'Well rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer' lyric. The track eventually evolves into a funky jam - the drummer drives it on suitably - until slipping back into the 'Hoo-Hahs!'
However, that was until 'Bandits in the Night' where they blend a Pink Floyd opening with a country breakdown before launching into a frantic middle section reminiscent of much great 70s-80s rock music. Of course, all this would be for nothing if it wasn't for the guitar solo which boils over into an eruption of noise. Gradually they piece things back together before making a seamless transition into 'Fly Away (Black Crow)' which is a atmosphere driven track that deserves to end the album. Although it doesn't. 'Peace Soldier' comes along more as an encore than a rounding off; nicely raw but perhaps would have been more effective earlier in the album, to push the momentum on.
These are minor gripes, though, over what is essentially a very solid set of songs from a promising band.
[Best Track: "Bandits in the Night"]
See also:
An Interview with Heavy Jack
Check out Heavy Jack on MySpace