|
Previously unknown to most of
us western U.S. folks, South Carolina has continued to crank
out bands of exquisite musicianship and song writing prowess.
JC Activator is definitely one of these bands. The casual
listener can easily group them with the Eve 6’s and Athenaeum’s
of the music world, while those with the time and patience
will discover a much deeper musical sentiment. The songwriting
here is deeply personal and very evocative, and the musicianship
is easily a contender with the aforementioned major label
bands. The most outstanding traits of this band are their
honesty and their humanity.
The album had my attention from
the first, with "Kay", a deep and haunting song
about that greatest of songwriting material… unrequited love.
Some fine guitar work nicely complements the dispiritedness
of the vocals. "Hope For You" continues to develop
insightful lyrical content, while introducing us to their
vocal harmony abilities. "Out in Space" is a melodic
journey to find the girl of your dreams. Always beyond reach,
"If you’re looking for an angel, she’s gone out in space".
"Mindchange" exposes the dynamic musical ability
of the band, and at the same time takes the introspection
out and hangs it up with a social consciousness. The acoustic
"Sitting Outside" again pulls us into the conscience
of the writer, exposing the listener to personal pains and
hopes and dreams. "Too Far Away" gives the listener
the inkling of where JC Activator comes from, their influences
and aspirations. This song is probably the most musically
versatile, featuring a melodic guitar solo, which leaves me
wanting more. Approaching the mainstream a bit more is "Waited
On You", with its clean guitar hooks and cleaner vocal
harmonies. "Don’t Follow Me" is a powerful song
with ingenious vocal delivery, and a heavy-hearted word to
share. "I don’t understand, understand the reason we
evolve. We just hang out, just to watch the clock upon the
wall. The took your breath away, and now you don’t breathe
at all." With a nice swing beat and beautiful lyrics,
"Unnoticed" is a stand out track, laced with intricate
harmonies and rhythmic puzzles. "I Want To Know"
is a beautiful song, deep with emotion, accompanied by a single
acoustic guitar. A perfect tie to wrap up this excellent album…
Again, the lyrical content of
"Send In The Clowns" is phenomenal, and the musicianship
very solid and consistent. I can easily take a stand behind
a band that uses no musical tricks to make their statement,
but instead relies solely on their ability to craft great,
powerful songs. Any band that can play the 3-5 note guitar
solo and be tasteful and emotional with it, wins an award
for their expressiveness. Mature songwriting and presentation
make this a very enjoyable listen, but be prepared to examine
the emotions this album will conjure in your own heart.
–David DeVoe
Links:
www.6milerecords.com
Track Listing
- Kay
- Hope For You
- Out In Space
- Mindchange
- Sitting Outside
- Too Far Away
- Waited On You
- Don’t Follow Me
- Unnoticed
- I Want To Know
|
JC
Activator
