JACKALS AT THE DOOR
When you like a band, you like a band, right? Fife’s Gentlemen Jackals first came to my attention on their 1st release “Hold My Body”, and their subsequent releases have never disappointed.  The band have a new EP out on 2nd February 2018, and here at HNH HQ we’ve been lucky enough to grab a sneak preview.
“The Open Door Within Your Mind” is 5 quality tracks which sway from guitar driven sounds that maraude their way into your brain, to pop sensibilities and thumping bass lines so cool you’d think Nile Rodgers had popped into the studio to lend a hand.
Opening track “Heathens + Broken Hymns” gets off to a thumping start with it’s fast pace and an underlying guitar hook to envy. The vocal melody lifts us along to the kind of chorus that new wave bands in the late 70s would have killed for. So many different elements in this track, after the first listen you get a “never expected that” kind of vibe.  Ace.
Next up is the rockier “Preacher’s Son” which gallops along at a steady pace giving us a terrific vocal line, sing-a-long chorus mixed with some pretty epic rock guitar. The last 60 second of this song is so sonically engaging it’ll have you on your feet, air guitar-ing as the pace speeds up to a frenzy, imagine Foo Fighters covering Blondie’s “Call Me”...... that!!
Track 3 is “Out Of Reach” is where the pop sensibilities of this band shine, class melodies which never let up, and an earworm of a guitar hook. You can’t help hearing where their influences are injected into this track, everything from Springsteen to Queen it all just works together.
Track 4 is a 2017 single release “Wisdom To The Wise”, and a track in which the rhythm section shine. The perfect timing of drums and bass come to the fore to give us a rocking tune. A live favourite and one of our favourite tracks from last year it’s a complete belter of a track, shout that chorus loud.
Track 5 is an extended version of “Waiting For The Day” which gives us yet more delicious guitar hooks. It’s slower pace lends itself perfectly as the EP closer. Some nifty harmonies amid the layers of guitar is so good you could spread it on a cracker.
What’s so interesting about the Jackals is their ability to change direction mid song and make it all work perfectly which keeps everything fresh and exciting. They should be very proud of this collection. The EP is released on February 2nd.
Up next for the band is their place in the final 14 bands from all over Scotland taking part in the Soundwaves Music Competition when they play at the O2 ABC in Glasgow on February 10th. I’m sure they’ll smash down those doors and be ready for the next round after that gig.
