The new effort by Philly/NYC via DC trio Jukebox The Ghost puts a glossy sheen on their already sugar sweet pop creations and puts this rising band in the position to expand their fan base beyond indie favorites to mainstream heartthrobs. Their sound is consistent with past releases in its reactive, pogoing compositions that highlight frontman Ben Thornewill’s theatric tenor, but their second release, Everything Under the Sun, manages to musically compliment his voice more effectively than past releases. The ability to fully produce the already large sound of this power trio ratchets the emotion of the new release to more Queen performance art than snarky piano pop.
The album hooks the listener with galloping “Schizophrenia” that bounces through its verse-chorus structure and introduces the bands musical skills along with its tongue in cheek wit. The life within Thornewill’s voice is endearing in its buoyancy, like in the frantic synth of “Half Crazy” with its youthful and catchy feel. The only downside is that sometimes the polished work can blend too well in mainstream radio programming potentially rendering it disposable. However, the guys do show much versatility especially in the beautifully delicate standout “So Let Us Create” where the band seems to rely less on their natural upbeat energy putting all their efforts towards the movement and feeling of the song itself. The multiple glockenspiels and melismatic refrain create one of the largest sounds on the album. There is also not a problem with a band investing itself in brisk piano confections the likes of Ben Folds, who seems to be an obvious but apt comparison, and Jukebox the Ghost does so various times in Everything Under the Sun, but none as effective as closing track “Nobody” that swings and struts to the album’s finish line with added trumpets and surprising reserve.
Everything Under the Sun at times seems to question and try and resolve, but at other times seems to simply concern itself with the big pop hooks. While I prefer the former to the latter, it is an album that highlights the band’s talent and shows glimpses of a unit ready to step out on the big mainstream stage. (But I’m always weary of that stage turning bright young talent into disposable pop stars.)
– Adam G.
