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JETSAM
DRIVE
COLUMBIA CK 80243, (CANADA 1997)
8
New Canadian songwriter Jetsam gets a helping hand on this his debut album
from veteren weirdo Aldo Nova . 'You Know Me' is a strong opener with powerful
drumming, atmospheric acoustic and electric guitars and a slight latino
influence that brings to mind the second Nuclear Valdez record. 'Dear Woman'
draws on a plaintive vocal and builds up to a massive climax in a manner not
dissimilar to Queensrÿches 'Silent Lucidity' with big strings and a great
solo from Nova. 'For The People' returns to the latino sound with Mexican
flavoured trumpet breaks and easy shuffle beats adding to the more
straightforward singer/songwriter elements of Jetsam's sound. As on Joey
Tempest's recent 'Azalea Place' the latino injections really add a freshness to
the sound. 'Your Spell' is ushered in by big, BIG guitars that add some modern
tones without being too grungy or whatever. 'Drive' itself is a standout. A
simple acoustic intro with a fragile vocal that reminds you of one of Jetsam's
heroes Cat Stevens, builds up to a monster hook and solo (again from Nova, who
co-wrote this one) then breaks down to a spoken passage, that brings to mind The
Toll. 'Happy' is another stunner, a great Hammond intro leads into a thrilling
upbeat number with cool grooves aplenty and a simple but perfect hook while
'Flying High' is even groovier with breathy vocals and reminded me of 'Get Off'
period Haywire in places. 'Another Day' and especially 'Children' slow the pace
and explore those Cat Stevens roots a bit more with the odd trace of REM coming
through as well. 'Baby In Blue Jeans' is a blues influenced number, big on mood
and atmosphere, with some female scat singing ala Pink Floyd's 'Great Gig In the
Sky' (?), another Toll/Doors like monologue and, Shock Horror! a harmonica solo
that works!!!. There's even more of it on the closing 'In This World' which
nicely rounds off a very fine debut album. |
