With debut full length "Angelmaker," Heaven's Jail Band provide an abject lesson in taking the country rock outline defined by a Big Star, Neil Young, Tom Petty, early Eagles etc, while delivering a darker, sleazier journey through America's underbelly, offering both a riveting and slightly disturbing listen. Utilising both raw musical and lyrical edge, they sit contrastingly at odds alongside Francesco Ferorelli's placid, calm vocal delivery, giving an opening line like "My footsteps on the gravel, sound like crunching little skulls" an even more sinister edge.
Songs throughout utilise spacious chord structures, traditional lead and trundling distorted rhythm sitting side by side, although more claustrophobic elements infiltrate, both
guitars exploiting tighter, complex patterns, intermingling whilst fighting
for supremacy as “Sleep Outside” closes or throughout “Speak Lovely Chaos” the album’s broodingly ominous highlight.
My only (miniscule) criticism, on occasions after a soundscape of
guitar soloing bliss becomes established, aforementioned “Chaos” or “Trees
Like Trees” are subsequently brought abruptly to a close. While
not suggesting an epic wig out of “Freebird” or
“Green Grass and Hide Tides” proportions, extension by
thirty seconds or even a minute of additional six string interplay appears an opportunity squandered.
Perhaps live, more elongated versions may transpire.
The music of Heavens Jail Band doesn't fit an America of rhinestones, spotless wide brimmed stetsons or gilt edged stars on pavements, instead suiting grubby motels, trailer parks and Brooklyn back alleys. Tough and uncompromising, exactly as it should be.
"Angelmaker" can be streamed and downloaded from the Heaven's Jail Band bandcamp page.
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