Every genre has different ways of getting inside your head. Repetitive, fun lyrics are pop’s calling card. A heavy beat may cause you to spin a rap song another time, and soulful vocals on an R&B track will probably keep you invested. When it comes to rock, one thing matters when it comes to retaining attention: huge choruses with personality that overshadow generic sounds and structures. PJKTS understand this, and nail rock-star meets pop swagger with substance on their debut album.
The songs aren’t so much in-your-face as they are understated. PJKTS’ choruses are able to deliver big sounds without striking you hard and fast. Plus, they deliver lyrics that are just as honest as they are catchy. Track thirteen, “Chandelier,” provides a visceral image as vocalist James Mason sings, “I put my heart into your hands/You dropped me like a chandelier.” Still, there’s a sort of bounciness to it, and it’s one of the most anthemic songs on the album.
There’s a lot to like about PJKTS’ debut, from Mason’s emotive vocals to Emily Dickinson’s expert synth arrangements. The group works together as a cohesive unit, and as a result, the effort comes across as a strong united front. Everyone seems confident and is holding their own, which can be a rarity. For a band on their debut album, their ability to weave instrumentals and hammer out unique arrangements is something special.
Each song on PJKTS has a distinct mood, and there’s a lot of character to absorb through the album’s fourteen songs. However, it’s not a lot to take on or digest the album for its entirety - a testament to the group’s ability to carve their own path. The group is just as capable of delivering synth-rock (track six, “Knife Fight”) as they are confessional, slowed-down cuts (track eight, “Stay”). The thing about it, though, is none of it feels forced or too jarring when listening. It’s natural, progressive songwriting.
PJKTS have all of the chops a rock band needs: quality vocals, unity, and the ability to write a killer chorus. It’s a wonder that they don’t have as much airtime as Imagine Dragons or Bastille. They’re well on their way if they keep up the well-made work that paints their debut album. It’s best to sneak a peek at their album while you can, because there’s no doubt PJKTS can deliver tunes that will reach the masses.
Reviewed by: Brooke Daly
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