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Review: Jaill 'This is How We Burn'

            Sub Pop Records has been continuously shaping the face of independent music for the past twenty years or so with each major release or signing of a band – Modest Mouse, Iron & Wine, The Shins, Beach House, Fleet Foxes.  Head on over to their artist/alumni roster on the Sub Pop website if you want to blow your mind.  It’s a little fair to say Sub Pop does its job well.  And now the Seattle-based label turns to Milwaukee vintage rockers Jaill and their debut album, This is How We Burn, to fill some rather large shoes.

            Jaill’s new album is a very avid trip back to the roots of rock n’ roll.  Calling upon the late 50’s and 60’s, these Milwaukee boys keep it very simple and straight – guitars, bass, and drums – no overbearing production qualities or synthesizers.  True rock-a-billy light distortions reminiscent of gods like The Ramones or The Clash and youthful energy like early Rolling Stones – all while keeping modern with lyrical content and ambience like The Drums.

            The opening track, “The Stroller,” and the second track “Everyone’s Hip” set the pace and bar very high for Jaill’s album.  “Everyone’s Hip” in true rock fashion clocks in at a little over two and half minutes; with gritty guitar solos and melodies that’ll make you dig out your old leather jacket.  And of course like any good contemporary rock n’ roll album, they throw in an acoustic song, “Summer Mess,” just in time to chill out your summer of bummer days lollygagging around.

            The problem with this album is much akin to the Barry White curse – once you have heard one Barry White song you have heard them all.  Sure, “Summer Mess” is a change of scenery but the rest of album moves at much the same pace, rhythm, and texture.  Ah, the eternal struggle of retro and vintage rock competing with the synthesized sounds and capabilities of the digital era.  Although, What I suggest is a minor flaw in the album could be interpreted as Jaill being authentic to their rock roots.  Your call.

            Jaill band members proclaim themselves as psych-pop but the grubby punk drums, muddled vocals, and the twangy guitars do not rest easily.  These guys serve their rock n’ roll straight with no mixer and have no regrets about it.  If you like your albums with little to no BS in them – new age, intelligent punk rock n’ roll – you should get your hands on Jaill’s This is How We burn.