Jet Electro Album Review

By Rhys Milsom / January 10, 2012

rating: 3.5

Apparently, Jet Electro has been trapped in his bedroom since 1977. This is because a bolt of lightning struck him as he was playing his guitar, resulting in a huge electrical charge passing through him and sealing him in his bedroom. This then transported him to an alternate universe and he only returns to the real world when his music is being played, which in turn, unlocks his bedroom door for as long as the song is playing. No, don€™t worry, you haven€™t clicked on the film or gaming section of WhatCulture! €“ this is simply me telling you what I know about the band after reading through information I was sent. We are told Jet Electro€™s real name is Jeff Elwood on promo material and on the band€™s website, but Mr. Elwood has no place on the band€™s list of musicians and creative individuals who shaped, formed and created this album. Kind of weird, when you consider this list is 17-strong. Yep. 17-strong. Nope. Jet Electro isn€™t some sort of mini-choir or brass band. What Jet Electro is, is a band with pop/folk/blues influences with a main vocalist who has such a smooth voice it could be made out of caramel. Corny, I know, but it€™s true. His voice, as he shows especially on the comical and ironic track, 100 Girls, and the poignant Walter Cronkite, is a shining light of the album and as a result, at times when the music itself isn€™t necessarily keeping the listener completely engaged, his voice manages to rope the listener in. His voice is bursting with confidence, and the music follows suit. It also manages to make the listener forgive and forget the backstory of the band, which is a good thing, as the information is pretty redundant when compared to the seriousness and professional attitude that seeps from every track on the album. Whether or not it€™s used as a ploy for people to think the band has a sense of humour, it€™s not needed. As one person who prefers straight, simple information on a band and isn€™t really interested in how creative a band can be when it comes to their backstory, it did seem the band were trying too hard with it. However, this is only a very minor flaw as when listening to the album, it€™s a very satisfying, well-structured and accessible effort that plays along effortlessly, while at the same time, gathering momentum for a very strong end. Stand-out tracks are: For Sale By Owner, a track that begs you to singalong and will fit in very well with fans of artists such as Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. It€™s got a nice blend of emotion to it as well €“ at times it is fun and happy, but then it€™s got a sense of slow-burning heartbreak. The backing vocals also work to the track€™s advantage and add a mature, experienced feel. Walter Cronkite is an effortlessly glossy track. From the brass section to the delicately strummed guitar, the whole track rides along purposefully yet doesn€™t force you to listen to it €“ it rather persuades you to with its all-round quality. Craig Daniel€™s vocals may be the strongest we hear him on this track, and it€™s imaginable that whoever Walter Cronkite was/is, he€™ll be a very happy man knowing a song of this quality has been written for him. It€™s a track that underlines Jet Electro€™s prowess as a band able to write songs with emotion and precision, for an effect that keeps your attention all the way through. The last track, Through, paints images of bleakness and hard times. This is evident with the lyrics of €˜Cars don€™t park on this street / they don€™t pass by nomore/ newspapers crumple in the heat / they€™re blowing past the door / radio doesn€™t wanna play / it€™s just a static roar.€™ However, if you weren€™t listening to the lyrics, then the bright pop music would, you€™d think, be accompanied by happy-go-lucky lyrics. However, this almost oxymoron feel makes for a very intriguing listen, and the lyrics throughout the song are especially strong. The bluesy guitar solos are impressive and as the final chords wane away at the end, you€™ll find yourself wondering why your computer isn€™t playing anymore. As you look at the screen, you€™ll realise that you€™ve just listened to the final track and nearly 40 minutes worth of music that has flown by. Well, I did, anyway. This is an impressive effort for a debut album, and one that the band should be proud of. Jet Electro may not be doing anything new, but what they do, they do well. If they manage to hit their niche market, with a bit of luck, they may well develop a bit of a following.