Broken Jack
Escapism EP
Thursday 1st of November 2007
Broken Jack's Escapism EP is something of a departing shot, an epitaph to a dying band, as this Reading four piece split up early in 2007 due to "geographical and ambition-ical differences within."
Since 2003, they have racked up some impressive support slots and some favourable comment from the music press, and this accomplished EP shows why, however the clues are also in here to suggest why it's the end of the road.
The prog rock and indie influences are obvious but diverse and well executed, taking in Linkin Park on the wryly named 'Rumours Of Our Success Have Been Greatly Exaggerated', Pink Floyd on the title track, and a great The Music-esque romp 'The Becoming'. Unfortunately, the influence often tends towards pastiche, with the Jet / AC/DC outtake 'And I Went...', and, even, in the case of the Radiohead-theivery of 'You Gave Me Nothing', almost a straight cover.
The EP's following track, however, takes the Kid A-era Radiohead influence on, with far more subtle and successful results. The magnificent 'Voices In My Head' is therefore the understated high point in a well-paced record.
It's a shame that a band with so much obvious potential to follow the likes of Muse and The Mars Volta into the recent prog rock revival has come to an end. With another year to cement a stronger band identity, Broken Jack might well have proven to themselves why they should keep at it.
Author: David S
Label: Self-Released
Found in: Record Reviews
Official Rating
We rated this record 4 out of 5.