Turin Brakes - Jackinabox [Japan] (CD)

All Music Guide

Turin Brakes' third release blends the lighthearted escapism of their debut and the slickly produced escapism of their sophomore release for a satisfying, tambourineslapping good time. Acoustic guitars are still the thing and Ollie Knights' voice is still a cross between Jeff Buckley and early David Bowie, but the songwriting has improved drastically. Knights and his duo partner, Gale Paridjanian, have never been considered the greatest lyricists, and while the somewhat improved prose on Jackinabox won't change that, the arrangements are much tighter than ever and cover up whatever lyrical deficiencies the charismatic, freewheeling attitude of the band doesn't. When they offer upbeat, infectious, neohippie numbers like the funky "Asleep With the Fireflies" (Jamiroquai for the acoustic set) or "Over and Over" (a playful, nearly cabaret song), the album excels and fits summery afternoons like a glove. The wistful ballads are more hit or miss, the widescreen "Road to Nowhere" being an exa...mple of direct hit with the meandering "Forever" being a tedious miss that feels totally out of place. Sliding guitars, xylophones, and electronic touches flush out the sound, and the duo's complete involvement with the recording producing, engineering, etc. gives it a comfortable, "at home" feel. Fans won't be disappointed in the least, and with so much growth displayed, they should probably make room for converts. - David Jeffries, All Music Guide Read more Less