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Jackal - EP Review: Jumping Out The Window

22 Jun 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries

The report of my death was an exaggeration.” – Samuel Clemens.

When we last spoke of Jackal, it was with great disappointment at their impending dissolution. 

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, came Jumping Out the Window, a sort of softly spoken review of all that could have been if life hadn’t stood in the way. A once more with feeling for the fans.

I’m not here to blow smoke, but the last three albums I had the opportunity to review, Only Everything, Castle in the Air and Sparkle, were some of the best collections of New Zealand music I’ve had blow through my headphones. Jumping Out the Window, a collection of subdued odes to all things mellow, doesn’t stand up to the previous three; it forges its own path.

Experimental, even for psychedelic astronauts such as these, the very nature of their traditional genre being experimentation.

Unlike Sparkle, Jumping Out the Window is less progressively bats**t crazy, and more the most intricate, well written and heartfelt songs in the band’s six album history. 

The Smashing Pumpkins is strong with this one. I know I said that last time, but I mean it in a different way, with a different frame of reference. We’re treading in Adore, American Gothic, Disarm territory here, showing the dynamic nature of the band that was Jackal. They didn’t have to be blowing your ear drums to blow your mind. 

Coming a year since Jackal gracefully bowed out, this album is a welcome surprise and a fitting eulogy to an amazing band, and offers a shred of hope for a future, and I for one will be waiting eagerly.

Jumping Out the Window is available from the Jackal Bandcamp Page.

 

About Jackal

Jackal are a four-piece band based in Auckland. With a wide range of influences, Jackal have created a unique progressive rock-meets-psychedelic sound that has captured an interest in Auckland's alternative scene. Jackal never fail to put on a high-energy show and are an absolute must-see live. Make sure to follow Jackal to stay updated with their frequent gigs and a new album which will undoubtedly impress.




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Jackal

Releases

Jumping Out The Window
Year: 2016
Type: EP
Sparkle
Year: 2015
Type: Album
Castle In The Air
Year: 2013
Type: Album
Only Everything
Year: 2012
Type: Album
Furnace Creek
Year: 2011
Type: Album
Sleeping Life
Year: 2009
Type: Album

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