Write It Down
Jalopy, 2025
9/10
The Brooklyn via Nola outfit Jackson And The Janks bring plenty of varied influences to this sophomore album that takes nods to the ‘50s and ‘60s.
The retro spirit of “The Kick” leads with Jackson Lynch’s soulful pipes and Craig Flory’s deep sax adding much to the throwback energy, and “Beats Me” follows with Lynch’s warm keys and Sam Doores’ scrappy drums helping make for some garage rock nods.
The middle spot belongs to “I Don’t Give Any”, where John Cushing’s radiant trombone suits Lynch’s meticulous guitar and animated vocals, while “Riding On A Smile” is a calmer moment via the soft guitar and sparse drums that cultivates a bare and gentle bout.
Deeper still, “Let’s Leave Here” makes great use of Matt Bell’s well timed steel guitar thanks to the nostalgic rock climate, and “Do What You Want To Do” exits with saxophone from Izaak Mills and Ryan Weisheit for the bluesy and gospel influenced finish.
A listen that’s inspired by legends like Bobby Charles, Irma Thomas and James Booker, Jackson and company make their own kind of rock’n’roll, and it’s a lo-fi experience like few others out there today.
Travels well with: Jim Kweskin- Doing Things Right; Scott Sean White- Even Better On The Bad Days