JINX is the latest offering from Knoxville, TN-based musician, John Davis. Known primarily as the vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter for the band Superdrag, who had their original run from 1992-2003 (with multiple reunion stints, one of which they are currently on). Originally intended to be Superdrag’s first record since 2009’s Industry Giants, Davis took the reigns with JINX and executed his vision with the assistance of the father-son duo of Stewart Pack and Henry Pack, who play bass and drums, respectively. The elder Pack has previously collaborated with Davis in the skatepunk project Epic Ditch and the younger owns and operates Buzzkill Studios, where JINX was recorded.
The opening track of the record, titled “The Future” is a melancholy anthem that is equal parts driving and grungy, with verse guitar tones reminiscent of Best Coast and chorus guitar leads evoking shoegaze greats, My Bloody Valentine. Chaotic at times and focused at others, this lyrically bleak lament sets the stage for the opening of a great record. Followed by “Please Be My Love”, a lyrically opposite feel from “The Future”, the song is a fuzzy, modern sonnet that plays to Davis’ power pop strengths and evokes a feel-good sensibility. Bright and full of harmony, you see two distinct sides to the songwriter right off the bat.
“Take My Brains Out” is the lead single from JINX and features noodly guitar leads over the aforementioned fuzziness of the rhythm guitar. Accompanied by a driving intro groove that repeats throughout the song’s transitions, “Take My Brains Out” describes a total and utter helplessness navigating one’s self and others. The titular choral melody juxtaposes the song’s pessimistic lyrics with a beautiful declaration of despair. The song ends with the crashing of dissonance. Keeping up the pace is “Wildfire Love”, a jangly head-bobber that is one of JINX’s shortest tracks, coming in at two minutes, five seconds. The highlight of this song is the pause, where Davis redirects the song right back in for one more round of professing his love into a musical fadeout.
“Cold Advice” melds an uptempo 1960s psychedelic rock feel with a contemporary midwestern emo twinkliness. A sudden change of pace within the first minute continues to drive the song until it completely breaks down into a wall of sound right back into a halftime beat. This song is the first on the record to completely break the formula and has no adherence to traditional structure in all the right ways. With its many segues and transitions, it might be the most unique track on JINX.
“Already Drowned” explores the grunge territory once again, which may be a welcome sentiment for listeners with a penchant for 90s nostalgia. The repetition of “I didn’t wanna” is sure to be a persistent ear worm form. The last thirty seconds explodes into a catchy little solo to send the song off. Kicking right into “Free to Fall”, a contemplative tune with such lines as “Should’ve thought hard and long if this was my swan song” and “In hell for the third time today. There in my mind, where I’m free.” Firmly planted in a state of self-reflection and change, the lyrics are the stand out feature that keep things interesting.
Tracks eight, nine, and ten are “Indifferent Stars”, “In Between The Waves”, and “I’m Sorry”. They send the listener on a cosmic journey through regret and acceptance, then to the seas of punk rock introspection, and finally apology. The record’s closer is indeed its longest and weaves in and out of lunar lyrical landscapes and dreamy guitar strums. It all comes to an end with the repetition of the words “I’m Sorry”, an urgent call for reconciliation.
JINX contains ten tracks of multifaceted, expansive expressions by John Davis–a showcase of what he is truly best at both musically and lyrically. It runs the gamut of emotions and sonic topography in a way that is both fresh and relevant. Whether you like indie, garage rock, punk rock, or emo, this record has something for you.
Pick it up from Lost In Ohio Records
Pressing Details:
- Yellow Flame Gatefold Vinyl (label exclusive, limited to 500)
- Orange Gatefold Vinyl
- Cassette
- CD
Follow John Davis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndavisbrandmusic/
Follow Lost In Ohio Records on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostinohiomusic/Catch John Davis live, opening for Sixpence None The Richer in Knoxville on October 10th. Tickets
