Jakdaw4 : Gramophone Logic

Willie Dowling - vocals, keyboards, bass, guitars, ukulele, banjo
Greg Hatwell - vocals, guitars, percussion
Andy Lewis - vocals, bass, double bass
Andy Robertson - drums, percussion.

There's a band based in London that you probably haven't heard of yet, and that's immensely devastating. Jackdaw4 has to be the greatest band in England at this time. Imagine taking Jellyfish and The Beatles, putting them in a blender on the mix setting, and then garnishing the finished dessert with a sprinkle of Queen.

Not many bands make me growl with frustration over the baffling lack of their international fame. Not many bands make me wanna shake people by the shoulders and plead: you have got to buy this CD! If I was rich, I would buy several copies of Jackdaw4's "Gramophone Logic" and just give them as gifts to my friends-here, you need this group in your collection.

From the beginning of the first track "This is Your Life", I am astounded by the intense, massive sound that brings forth a sense of awakening. And the entire CD continues in this mind-boggling grandeur. It is straight uplifting life being poured into your soul via your ears....with no need for a chaser.

"Gramophone Logic" is catchy and stirring in that it makes you think you could hum along right away (before you learn the words...then you sing along) and grasp your chest and sway with appreciation for the absolute masterpiece that these men are being kind enough to share. I almost feel guilty for getting so much joy out of something on which I didn't help work. It's like I'm eating the bread, and Jackdaw4 is the little red hen.

Each song has it's own climactic atmosphere, creating a happily tiresome effect by the end of the CD. It's like a roller coaster that freaks you out along the ride. When it's over, you're breathless, yet happy, and just wanna go again.

The song arrangements are to die-for, the lyrics are brilliant yet never overwhelming, and the overall mood is bright. The talent just resonates.

Seriously, thank you, Mr. Dowling, Mr. Hatwell, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Robertson. I give this release 10 out of 5 stars.

Album info: "Gramophone Logic"
Copyright: 2004
self-produced
released on 369 Music

The following MP3 are linked from NotLame.com, one of the best places to purchase "Gramophone Logic" in the US. It is also available on the band's website for the UK and the rest of the world. You can check the band out on Myspace