Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
What we miss is Discipline in every avenue of life, it is not a matter of authoritarian control but a state of being that oversees our potential, the person we can be if we master both chaos and consistency as one equal partner, if we can feel the inspiration and creation in one visual exercise of unregulated ambition.
For the foursome that make up the Finnish band Headphone Jacks, Jaakko Anttonen, J-P Herlevi, Riku-Pekka, Aleksi Lappalainen, Discipline is the product of what many would consider an anarchic affair of finding a beat in session, but which actually is the depth of feeling given space to treat the individuality of the moment and incorporate it into a dramatic group event.
The tracks on the new album are blistering, they sizzle in the ear, and yet they also have the dedication and wherewithal to cruise past others with a sense of ongoing serenity, and the interaction between each member, all sharing a portion of vocal enticement as the songs unfold, the hard rock ambience stomps its feet into the ground as All Them Zombies, Lunatic, Pharaoh’s Cane, the excellence of Saviour, and the album title track of Discipline give rise to an album built on passionate opportunity and will.
The point of true art is experimentation, no idea comes fully formed into this world, and if does it could be viewed with suspicion, appearing as if ordained by some perfect muse, one who hides fanaticism and strict adherence in their name, only to be seen as extreme, crowded, lacking in the very discipline it takes to enjoy spontaneous combustion of the groove.
The breath of life that comes from enjoyment in the cause is satisfyingly clear, refusing to bend completely to the whim of a certain section of the crowd, instead it’s a multi musical faith that capture the ear and the soul, A gruff and classic hard rock band, but one that takes its inspirational dues from with layers of Prog filled calm, Post-Punk enthused ferocity, and the appetite of a whole branch of Grunge to bring an album that gives credence to the thought of discipline; not a damaging restraint, but embracing other’s mastery of the occasion.
A cracking introduction to the band, Headphone Jacks’ blazing prowess speaks volumes.
Ian D. Hall