Turin Brakes - JackInABox

Turin Brakes
JackInABox
Astralwerks
Grade: A-

With similar pop elegance and sensibilities as labelmate Sondre Lerche, the British duo that comprises Turin Brakes, Gale Paridjanian and Olly Knights, unveil their latest ode to all things good. Their previous two records, 2001’s The Optimist and 2003’s Ether Song, have made Turin Brakes internationally known and on the brink of big time. After experiencing the pressures of studio ‘time’ in the UK and the US, the duo built and set up a studio at their pad in Brixton. With more time to let songs and ideas evolve and mature, the duo created a tremendously naturally and organic sound across the twelve songs on JackInABox. JackInABox seemingly includes everything there is to like about pop-infused rock – and thus an appeal for nearly every interest. Yet, the majority of songs can be grouped in either the acoustic, mellow vein or the mid-tempo electric rock traditions; and there are substantially highlights in both realms. The record kicks off on “They Can’t Buy Sunshine” that sounds right out of Lerche’s catalog of beautiful pop moments and it is grand. This is followed by “Red Moon” where hands clapping leads to verse that momentarily holds off the gorgeous chorus. “Forever” is the first indication of how stunning Paridjanian and Knights are when channeling their focus on magical acoustic songs. On “Forever,” the duo walk the road of Iron & Wine – possibly suggesting an interesting tour. Other songs that live in a similar camp include the first single “Fishing For a Dream,” the grainier “Road to Nowhere” and “Above the Clouds.” “Asleep with the Fireflies” follows “Forever” on JackInABox and starts off as simply ordinary. Yet, when the dance fever love fest hits the chorus you are up and out of your seat in an instant. Simply based on the chorus, “Asleep with the Fireflies” may become a hit. “Over and Over” is a solid, standard number, before you get assaulted by the terrible quasi-jazz vocals on “Last Clown.” Appreciating that Turin Brakes are trying to develop an older number, “Last Clown” just sounds completely off. The progressions on “Building Wraps Round Me” parallel Cat Stevens, while the title track goes for intermittent congas and a dance feel. JackInABox closes on “Come and Go” where the duo reviving the feel of “They Can’t Buy Sunshine” accompanied by underlying electronics. With previously established credibility and notice, JackInABox should push Turin Brakes to the top of the field.