Just Jack

Newcastle Academy 2 on Wed 22nd Nov 2006

Jack Alsop has a bright future ahead of him. Him and his band (it's not 'just' Jack after all) are making fresh, exciting music, which is no doubt giving Mike Skinner nightmares. This is how British rap should sound, and tonight his crowd were loving it.

I'll start with the sound. Funk basslines beneath indie guitars and hip hop drums, with the sweetest backing vocals courtesy of the lovely Hazel. On top of all that you have Jack, discoursing on life, love, and reality television. There is a tightness which is rarely present with such new acts, and this can only bode well for the future.

The musical talent is only half of the story though - the songs themselves are also superb. As well as the excellent upcoming single 'Writers Block', we were treated to a selection from Jack's first album 'The Outer Marker', and a number of brand new tracks, destined for what is surely to be their breakthrough album 'Overtones'. Jack's wit shines through in the excellent 'Goth In The Disco' (which, we are helpfully informed, is about a goth in a disco); whilst 'Starz in Their Eyes' is a much darker track which shows us a side of Jack which might just be feeling a little jaded at the more cutthroat aspects of fame already.

The other thing that struck me about Jack is that he seems to be a genuinely nice guy. The smile didn’t leave his face all night, and he was clearly delighted that he had drawn such a large, appreciative crowd.

If you are looking for some fresh sounding, innovative UK rap, I can’t recommend Just Jack enough. He has the talent, the charm and the charisma to go all the way, or at least I hope so.

published: 26/11/2006 01:45



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