‘Christmas Island’ is the fifth studio album from Phoenix’s Andrew Jackson Jihad and it’s a fascinating listen. These twelve tracks of folk-punk are stacked full of character, show plenty of heart, and have a very interesting take on lyrics.
Starting with ‘Temple Grandin’, a really upbeat and poppy track named after the famous American autism activist, you hear name checks to Stevie Wonder and Helen Keller and you do start to pay extra attention to the stories being sung. It’s a social and political commentary that holds no punches and unearths far more than almost every album you’ve heard this year. ‘Children Of God’ follows a similar approach too, itself the product of the band writing lyrics whilst suffering from a fever. It’s an experience and unquestionably the first time I’ve heard the line ‘with eye’s as red as a dog’s asshole’ be used in any music. This is accompanied by distinctive vocal tones that perhaps aren’t for everyone and a really raw sound. It’s these imperfections that make the band stand out though – this wouldn’t work if it was over-produced or flooded with run of the mill lyrics about lost love. There’s anger and anguish here but it never sounds threatening.
‘Christmas Island’ then slows in pace from ‘Coffin Dance’ onwards and it’s this section of the album that leaves a lasting impression. It’s delicate, easier to follow, and poignant. A great example of this is ‘I Wanna Rock Out In My Dreams’ which, despite the title, is a lo-fi three minutes that gives you time to reflect, regroup, and go again for the livelier ‘Kokopelli Face Tattoo’.
Throughout the album you can hear heavy hints of Conor Oberst’s Bright Eyes, in particular their ‘Fevers and Mirrors’ album. It’s the awkward but alluring vocals and the very raw production which strikes up the similarities.
With the driving forces behind the album, Sean Bonnette and Ben Gallty, citing a writing block for their three year absence from the studio this was never likely to be a throwaway attempt. You’ll need to buy into the off beat vocals and lyrics to really love this album, but there’s plenty of bright points to guide you on your way.