If Jacks Full were bartenders and albums were cocktails, then the recipe would go something like this: we open the blender and start throwing in a pinch of Queens Of The Stone Age, a bit of Clutch, plenty of Soundgarden and a generous dose of mature Black Sabbath. We blend it really well, pour it into a glass and… “Loud Minority” is born! Of course, it’s not that simple or easy to create an album. And this is something Nikos Spathas (guitar), Michalis Apartoglou (vocals, bass) and Angelos Tanis (drums) know very well, since they already have two previous releases under their belt. But like seasoned bartenders who’ve seen it all behind the bar, they serve you “Loud Minority” with no umbrellas and no syrups. A “Loud Minority” that, from the very first sip, makes you feel its intensity and energy. As you keep drinking, you start to sense its emotion and atmosphere, and in the end it leaves you with an aftertaste of character and quality. The album kicks off like the first shot of the night: “Black Sheep”. Think tequila with no salt and no lemon — straight and powerful. Next comes “Ambition”, classic but full of character, something like a proper old fashioned. The third track, “Free From The Puppet”, is my personal favorite on the album. A song that gives you a friendly pat on the back and whispers truths in your ear, just like a good friend would. Then it’s time for “Godskin”, a track that makes the lights go down and your foot start tapping rhythmically on the floor. Track number six is “Runback”, full of energy and rawness — basically vodka with Red Bull. At number seven we find the signature cocktail, “Loud Minority”. The album’s statement, and the band’s statement in general, the track that makes you fully understand what Jacks Full are all about. The penultimate track is “River”, slower and more emotional, with a musical flow that takes you on a journey. And finally, the last shot before hitting the road: the sweet aftertaste that stays on your lips, “Stay”, a song that will make you think — emotionally and not only. Overall, the album feels like a night out that starts with a relaxed cocktail, gets wilder along the way with strong but quality whiskey, and closes with that final Tia Maria shot — the one that sinks you into your thoughts and also kind of… messes with you. Honestly, I expected nothing less from Jacks Full. We’re talking about a “well-cooked” band that has stood next to legendary names and taken part in dozens of live shows, festivals and tours. Possibly their most mature and essential album so far, out of the three. And don’t forget: the only true drink of the soul is music.
♦ 8,5/10
Stefanos Tsakagiannis
