Go on Do it Jump - January

Go on Do it Jump

January
self-released; 2015

3.8 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Go on Do it Jump is a band from the UK comprised of Dave Thompson, Tim Wright, Alex Alsworth and Tim Ball. They formed in 2011 and most recently released a double EP entitled January 1 and January 11. Each EP contains four songs and I’m not sure the thought behind their decision to divvy up the songs but it works just fine. 

The band goes at these songs with a limited palette of sounds that comes in the form of distorted guitars, clean bass, metronome drumming and reverb laced vocals. On paper it sounds like it could be boring and monotonous but because of the band’s creativity and attention to detail those aren’t the adjectives you would be using to describe their music. 

The band reminds me of a young Interpol where I could focus on one particular instrument or the band as a whole and find something engaging to listen to. It’s not only the parts in which they play but when they play them. The band is incredibly efficient in knowing when to create and release tension. You don’t need too look past the first song on January 1 to hear the band bringing their A game.

“We Were a Somewhere” has what you want in a rock song. I really enjoyed the vocalist’s delivery and style. His voice can soar, is dynamic and is conducive to work against the barrage of instrumentation they bring to the table. The band continues to deliver with “Walk Before.” The bass consists of root notes and provide the foundation while the guitarist goes off on a disparate but completely interwoven lead. Really, really good work here. 

The last track on January 1 entitled “Where The Lighthouse Stands” adds some percussive elements, which was a nice slight deviation. It’s not too much of a deviation but a nice little surprise that displays some variety. January II opens with a high energy song entitled  “Manhattanhenge” and really doesn’t let go until the end of the fourth song. All four songs build upon the strengths I encountered on January I.

Go on Do it Jump proves that there are still creative possibilities with a guitar, bass and drums. The band doesn’t pull off anything that would make me rethink the game but they certainly were unique. Recommended.

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