The power of a moniker can significantly impact an artist or person’s perception. Names like Dick or Karen often come with preconceived notions, leading to potential ridicule or judgement.
Jukebox Monkey defy these odds and boldly claim their own goddamn domain. Nor is Jukebox Monkey playing the typical tunes you’d find on classic or modern jukeboxes and they aren’t here to fool around.
With their second album, Smiles Becoming Teeth, Jukebox Monkey is unapologetically kicking ass and taking names.
Formed in 2010, the trio of gents, Christopher Dabner on vocals and guitars, Niki Jones on vocals and bass, and Peter Nightingale on drums, are known for their attitude and burning the house down with a sound that is an uninhibited mix of groove and progressive metal.
On the inspiration behind Smiles Becoming Teeth, the band says,
This album is about the disintegration of the family unit. The transitory nature of relationships, and that of families in particular, is the overriding theme throughout this record.
“Like 1973” explores a generation failing to take ownership of the destruction of the planet and leaving it to the next generation. Sound familiar? In the spiritual sequel, “The Never” dives into the fears of what is being left behind and deciding not to contribute to the human population by bringing another soul into the world. Ahem, sound even more familiar?
The moody and brutally honest track, “Swirl”, captures the shifting dynamics of friendships when some decide to start families. The heaviness of the bass, guitar, and drums creates a groundshaking sense of doom and gloom.
But it’s the closing track, “Something Meaningless” that steals the whole album. It embodies the essence of Jukebox Monkey. Heavy, groovy, angsty, brutal, and strong with a bit of finesse and a whole lot of mastery and skills. “Something Meaningless” rides a wonderfully groove heavy line before effortlessly floating into a magnificent psychedelic transcendental state that is both gut wrenching and soul cleansing.
Smiles Becoming Teeth is a powerful sophomore album that is steeped in raw and honest lyrics, confronting themes, brooding basslines, heavy guitars, and rumbling drums. It’s a must listen for fans of all things moody and heavy.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “LIke 1973”, “The Never”, “Swirl”
FAVOURITE TRACKS: “Swirl”, “Something Meaningless”
