My Cousin Jack

My Cousin Jack are a four piece Melbourne Acoustic / Rock outfit. Their current EP (produced by Gary Pinto –CBD) is a collection of 'acoustic tunes with real energy and rock songs with pure heart.' As expected many arguments, discussions and the mandatory line-up changes have all helped to create the songs they include in their live performances. Sure it was fun to make, and as clichéd as it sounds, some songs did just ‘write themselves’. Other less than impressive tunes have remained well and truly in the guitar case, only to be taken out around a campfire, or perhaps sold onto an ‘Idol’ contestant. My Cousin Jack are fronted by Tanya and her seemingly pure & simple approach. Her vocals colour the songs and at times tease the melody to 'come out and play'. Ash’s execution of upright acoustic is as solid as the tree from which his instrument was crafted. Whatever you do, don’t mention that his upright is a bass guitar. (Is it just him or are all bass players a little bit sensitive?) The interior rhythm of the songs is a combination of Ash and the talent that Shaz delivers from behind her drums. The balance of her straight-up grooves and spontaneity allow the listener enough space to be comfortably challenged and thoughtlessly entertained. (Just watch out for the odd flying drumstick if you make her mad). The love of the unorthodox is what drives Jack. His somewhat obscure chordal arrangements (and the fact that he is tone deaf) stretch the songs just so. They no longer sound ‘just like any other band’. Their music taps into the heart of each member and stays within the heart of every listener. Let your ears enjoy the songs.