The Static Jacks
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The Static Jacks

Westfield, New Jersey, United States | SELF

Westfield, New Jersey, United States | SELF
Band Alternative Punk

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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Press


"RCRD LBL"

It's hard to find a piece of press on The Static Jacks that doesn't mention the Strokes, but aside from the band's young age (18) and affinity for tight denim and boxy guitars, that comparison is tenuous. For one, the Strokes hardly ever play in the 6/4 cadence you hear in "The Waltz". They also never sounded like they were having as much fun thrashing bar chords and singing soul melodies as these guys do on "Stay A Lover." Finally! An indie band with optimism! We just picked up these Jersey natives for our in-house label, so dip into the tunes below and be stoked that there are kids still buying guitars out there instead of Ableton. - RCRDLBL.com


"The Static Jacks: Bridges And Tunnels [EP]"

The Static Jacks are the reason I like to listen to music. The group is young, energetic and offer up a solid batch of four stylistic post rock tracks that make you eager for a full length. The EP bounces like an earlier Strokes record and the band just seems to all be on the same page, which gives Bridges And Tunnels the extra adrenaline that pushes its quality to the next level! - thefirenotefiredrills.blogspot.com


"Absolutepunk.net Album Review"

Who?
The Static Jacks are a Westfield, NJ quintet inspired by the likes of The Strokes, The Clash and Joy Division. Laces is their second release.

How is it?
Pretty darn good. For those that weren't paying attention to their debut EP or their placement on the Absolute 100, or their showcase, perhaps this review will be the one to do the talking.

First song "Woah Woah Woah," is a decided homage to The Clash and gives a taste for vocalist Ian Devaney's off-beat vocal style. Second track "Parties and Friends (and bullshit)" is arguably one of the year's best songs and has the arresting, can't-resist charm of Vampire Weekend's "Oxford Comma." While the songs vary dramatically in their sonic scope, they both hint at a rather authentic 20-something experience. With lines like, "I don't like your parties, I don't like your friends, and I don't like the beer you drink, but I can't say please don't do that again," there's a certain familiarity with both the material and the message that most can relate to. Anchored by a soaring chorus and jittery guitars, "Parties And Friends (and bullshit)" is most definitely a song the band can rest their laurels on. The album's remaining songs include "My Parents Lied," a mix of angst, sandpapery vocals and catchiness; "Revolver," which begins rather promising and ends effectively; and "Who Are The Replacements?," a cheeky number that is replete with layers of guitars, a chugging rhythm section and a pointed nod to 70s punk. Ripe with confidence, polish, and a maturity that belies their age, The Static Jacks are more than worth the attention and the accolades. - http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1367082


"RCRD LBL"

Jersey scruffians and RCRD LBL signees the Static Jacks have a new EP due September 15 called Laces, produced by Andrew Maury of RAC. "My Parents Lied" is its closer, a capably rousing guitar-soul song from kids that are way too young to sound this good. They are having a release party at Webster Hall's The Studio on October 7th, so, uh, get those Fake IDs looking purty. - RCRD LBL - http://rcrdlbl.com/2009/09/01/download_the_static_jacks_my_parents_lied


"The Deli - October 2009 Band of the Month"

http://www.thedelimagazine.com/nyc/snacks.php - The Deli NYC


"MTV IGGY"

So I just got an advance copy of Laces, the 3rd EP from The Static Jacks, and, simply put, I’m slack-jawed and craving more.

The indie quintet from New Jersey has been hard at work on the album since graduating high school (yes, high school) in June 2008. And it shows. Laces presents a new sound for the Jacks — one that is at both darker and considerably more impassioned. The poppy hooks of previous releases Sonny Halliday (2007) and last year’s Bridges and Tunnels have been exchanged for a breed of garage punk that channels everyone from The Jam and The Misfits to Tokyo Police Club and the Titus Andronicus.

Anthems “Woah Woah Woah” and “Who Are The Replacements?” depict the group’s grotesque view of a suburban life filled with broken promises, bad beer, and, of course, those artsy-fartsy kids you couldn’t stand by junior year.

TSJ Frontman Ian Devaney’s heated wails perfectly complement the raw, tinny guitars provided by Henry Kaye and Mike Sue-Poi, while drummer Nick Brennan and bassist Spencer Kimmins have never sounded better. But is the EP maddeningly catchy, or are you just in for a bunch of angry, young noisemakers spewing their guts out in five tracks?

Well, both. And therein lies the brilliant paradox of Laces. Here’s a record filled with such a perfect mix of angst and hum-ability that you don’t know whether to throw it on for a dance party or a late night, soul-searching, car ride. Whichever you choose, the EP is a must-have. I can’t speak for the state of your shoes, but guys, Laces is tight.

[Check out the band's tunes on their MySpace page or pre-order from Insound to get a free digital copy on September 15th. There's already a video up for the single "My Parents Lied."] - MTV IGGY - http://blog.mtviggy.com/2009/09/01/music-review-the-static-jacks-are-off-to-the-laces/


"Show Wrapup Crush: The Static Jacks..."

The Static Jacks were the last band that I caught on Monday night. I had heard in advance that they sounded a lot like The Strokes and that they were from New Jersey. I REALLY hate The Strokes and I am not all that fond of Jersey, so I wasn't looking forward to them, but I stuck around anyway and I am quite glad I did. I ponder(ed), both then and now, the set of characteristics that define the core embodiment of The Strokes. Whenever I hear the band, I only identify one thing: the lazy, hipper-than-thou vocal presentation of Julian Casablancas (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrMPUlJxmt8 for example). Not only do I find his singing unappealing, I find it insulting. As this is the only thing I even notice when I hear (or think about) The Strokes, I fully expected that people declare The Static Jacks as "strokers" because singer Ian Devaney is too cool to bother putting effort into singing to the peons in the audience. Well, not only does Ian sing on the beat (instead of 5 minutes behind it), he absolutely tears up the stage live. His voice and delivery remind me of the best, intense moments of Frank Black's presentation (check out "Stay A Lover" on their web site to hear what I mean) and his stage demeanor was a combination of the famed spastic Ian Curtis wiggles and a somewhat-less-dangerous Iggy Pop. He most definitely broke his microphone stand beyond repair by the end of the third song and did so without the slightest showman pretension. I left feeling like I had seen one of the best performers I had seen in a long while. The rest of the band was also great on stage with youthful and honest joy in doing what they were doing.

I am kind of a lyrics guy and I did have to go home and give a listen to some recordings before I could really pick up any of the details there, but The Static Jacks, who are all less than 20 years old, are undoubtedly headed for great things. We'll be letting you know when they're back in town. - bostonbandcrush.com


"Boston Herald"

Tired of this latest new wave of synthesizers in indie music? Done waiting for the next Strokes-flavored garage rock band?

Then turn your attention to this unlikely bunch - the Static Jacks. These five 18-year-olds from New Jersey, who hit the Middle East Monday night, already have been together for five years and pledge allegiance to stripped-down guitar-driven rock ’n’ roll.

“We’re sick of synth music, too,” guitarist Henry Kaye told the Music Induced Euphoria blog. “That is why we’re here, to ... fill the void of straight set-up garage rock bands.”

Their tunes, particularly the dance-floor number “Fire On the Bridge and In The Tunnel Below” (listen on MySpace [website]) back up the talk. - Boston Herald


"EXCLUSIVE NEW DOWNLOAD: The Static Jacks - Fire On The Bridge And In The Tunnel Below (RAC Maury Remix)"

More sounds from fresh-faced Jersey quintet The Static Jacks, who've turned to the Remix Artist Collective's Andrew Maury for a version of their tune "Fire On The Bridge And In The Tunnel Below." Maury's cut up his own tick-tocking electro rhythms on this one, pinching in a bit of slinky Joostice bass to pad the lead vocal, which remains untouched and front and center. Get you DL on below and if you're in New York and headed to the sold-out Blind Pilot/Broken West show at the Mercury Lounge tomorrow, get there early. The Jacks go on at 7:30. Flyer after the jump. - RCRD LBL


Discography

EPs
* Laces (October 6, 2009)
- "My Parents Lied" featured on Indiefeed

* Bridges and Tunnels (October 7, 2008)

* Sonny Halliday (November, 2007)

Singles
* Fire on the Bridge and in the Tunnel Below - RAC Maury Remix (March, 2009)

Photos

Bio

Featuring stomp-clap beats, mesmerizing layers of rhythm guitar and deep sandpaper vocals, The Static Jacks cast off the computer-based trends of modern music makers. Their stripped-down sound resonates influences ranging from 1980s punk to current indie pop music. Raw, honest lyrics and a youthful energy result in a vibrant live sound that is not to be missed.