Album Review: Jack the Elbow — Crush
Last year I wrote a review for a local music festival here in Gadsden, AL and due to that, I started gaining new friends left and right in the local music scene here. One of those new friends I made was someone named Caleb Wilemon, guitarist of a Birmingham-based prog band named Jack the Elbow. At the time, I will admit I hadn’t really checked out their music, but they recently sent me the link to their new full-length album “Crush” and asked me to check it out and tell him what I think.
So instead of just saying “I like it,” I decided to delve into the world of album reviews and give my thoughts on the album from someone who’s not necessarily a fan of the prog genre.
The album opens with “Modicum of Integrity,” and I think it’s a fitting track to start off what ends up being a journey through odd time signatures, tempo changes, groovy melodic riffs, and, in their own words, “soaring” tenor vocals.
One of the biggest standout tracks on this album, though, is “Going Under," a track that I think blends the trio’s musical ability with the catchiness of some of the biggest “summer radio rock” anthems in history. Seriously, this song has a radio hit written all over it and could easily be included on any “silly teen comedy” movie soundtrack.
Other notable tracks include “Teenage Progmo," "Crush," and my personal favorite, “Hills and Valleys," an instrumental track that I have honestly been using as background music while gaming the last few days.
Overall, as someone who is admittedly not a fan of prog rock as a genre, I absolutely love this album and am extremely happy they sent me this album to check out. I look forward to hearing more and maybe even using them as a gateway to discover even more great guitar-driven prog rock.
You can catch Jack the Elbow live at the following shows:
· Friday February 2nd, atTrue Story Brewing
· Friday February 23rd, at Black Market 5 Points
· Friday March 15th, at Firehouse
· Friday April 12th, at The Nick
· Saturday April 20th, at LCY
· Friday June 14th, at True Story Brewing
For more information on Jack the Elbow, head over to https://linktr.ee/Jacktheelbow
