Possibly one of the greatest things about music is that it can bring total strangers together in a way that no other art form can replicate. Whether it is the shared adrenalin rush of a truly spectacular concert, the meeting of eyes over a classic song or the desire to share great music with anyone who looks like they might appreciate it, music is often at its best when shared. The story of how Tyler Jakes’ quite excellent record happened to come into my possession is a perfect example of this. Through glancing at SonicAbuse, Tyler, despite living on the other side of the world, made a pretty spot on guess as to my musical tastes and got in touch, sending the disc over for review shortly thereafter. I’m lucky that he did because ‘evil’ is a genre-hopping work of brilliance that constantly keeps the listener engaged and engrossed thanks to its combination of smooth, horn-drenched, soulful grooves and full-on, white-knuckle rock ‘n’ roll rampages through Iggy Pop territory. With a warm, clean production, this is an album made for vinyl, and with the volume up high and your eyes closed you feel like you’re in the room with the Tyler (the obscenely talented individual plays more or less everything on the record), it’s that good.
Side one opens with the Dick Dale surf-rock surge of ‘out of it’, a lyrically brilliant smash ‘n’ grab that slithers out of your speakers like bare flesh squeezing out of baby-oil soaked leather. It’s the sort of song you can imagine being delivered in a blaze of hair and white hot lights, and the production captures Tyler’s sound perfectly. It’s a blistering opening track that somehow crams together the best sonic elements of rock’s fringes from the last thirty years with hints of the pixies, sonic Youth and Flaming lips all colliding in one multi-coloured blast that will make you an instant disciple of Jakes. So, how to follow up such a vital blast of adrenalin fuel? ‘This is a robbery’ is Fun Loving Criminals filtered through Carlos Santana with additional trumpet (courtesy of Jason Marks) for good measure. It’s soulful , magical and the sound of beer and BBQ’s in blistering summer heat – no matter when you are actually listening to it, although the guitars make a snarling appearance towards the song’s conclusion. The title track is… well, the title track is brilliant obviously… and it kicks off with a distorted bass line that brings to mind the dimly lit sleaze of euphemistically named ‘Gentleman’s clubs’, Tyler capturing the creepy drawl of Marilyn Manson over a deceptively complex backing track that weaves a delicate web of grime around the listener with its seductive guitar lines and driving, sensuous bass. ‘The Wolf’ takes this one step further with its bouncy, surf-inflected guitar lines, lascivious undertones and wailing saxophone (Steve Clarke) whilst ‘problem with you’ is a laid back track that sounds like Nick Cave covering Iggy Pop in his own unique style. The first side finishes with ‘Deathtrain to Amarillo’ a sleazy, Bowie worshipping monster with driving bass and subtle guitar flourishes which add to the air of menace incorporated into the track. It’s a brilliant track, but then it is also surrounded by brilliance and you’re left in awe that one man could be so thrillingly inventive.
Side two opens with a sample from a Drag Racing documentary before slamming headlong into a furious alt-rock frenzy, with Tyler taking the hitherto unique cool of Thurston Moore and channelling it through the manic energy of Black Francis. ‘Stranger than stranger’ is Marilyn Manson playing funk with Rob Zombie and Barry White, all wah guitar and multi-tracked vocals and then ‘blood money’ cruises into view with a seething guitar riff and cool vocals from the mysterious Lora who has a voice that drips honey and sulphur in equal measure – think QOTSA with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and you’re on the right track the flip side being the marvellous ‘fifth fang’ which touches on Barry Adamson and Mike Patton at his most threateningly charming. It’s possibly my favourite track on the album, but as the record slides around your senses with such overwhelming skill, it’s just as possible I’ll have a new favourite by tomorrow. ‘Essential dissent’ has a nimble guitar riff rooted in the blues but dressed in shades and possessed with the riotous spirit of the Blues Brothers, largely thanks to the awesome slide guitar which is liberally poured over the song. Sadly, we hit up on the final track next, the sublimely beautiful finale ‘Lucid dream epilogue’ which is delivered with a passion and precision that is all the more wondrous as the furious climax slowly grows out of the introspective opening, Tyler letting out a heartfelt wail that leads straight into the closing solo, the guitars charged with electricity to the extent that sparks all but shoot form the vinyl as the song draws to a close.
‘Evil’ is a smooth, amphetamine-fuelled wonder of a record. As sexy, as dangerous, as beautifully played as anything you’re likely to hear all year, there is no doubt at all in my mind that this belongs in the top five records of 2013, and that is up against some insanely stiff competition. This isn’t a record for rockers, metallers, blues fans or anyone other single-minded clique– this is quite simply a record for anyone and everyone who understands music to be a life-affirming art form that can change your life with a single riff or well-written line. Tyler Jakes is an astonishingly accomplished musician who revels not so much in virtuoso self-indulgence as in writing tunes which resonate heart and soul with the listener. Here you will find music that is smooth, soulful, rocking and adrenalin charged, but you will not find a single moment that drags or outstays its welcome. It’s hard to think of enough ways to compliment this magnificent album – Tyler Jakes: I salute you sir, this is a masterpiece of a record, a life-affirming blast which is an absolute treasure from the opening notes to the closing bars.
Is this just insane hyperbole? Check out the track embedded below or head on over to Tyler’s site and find out for yourself!
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