NEW EP RELEASE
Jetski - The Four Before
Sheffield-based rock band Jetski have released their newest EP, ‘The Four Before,’ under their own label Jetski Worldwide. The EP comprises of four new songs: ‘Toneblerone,’ ‘S66,’ Valentine,’ and ‘Vanborghini,’ continuing the groups rock sound whilst retaining “live” moments that capture the electric atmosphere of their gigs.
The entire EP feels very teenage – in the best way possible. It’s reminiscent of early 2010s, the spectrum of angsty emotions of those years, and exactly the types of songs that you wanted to let loose with at your friends’ house parties. This is aided by the rhythmic intensity across the tracks, with the guitars, bass and drums working in tandem to create a strong driving force. Though typical of what we might hear in rock, there is enough rhythmic interest and diversity to ensure that the EP doesn’t begin to feel stale or derivative of other artists, distinguishing Jetski’s unique sound.
A great example comes from the track, ‘S66’, where the distorted guitars play a soloed rhythm after the first vocal line of the chorus, running with a lower third from e-d-c-b-a-g-f. It perfectly counters the bass rhythm, which introduces the chorus, and sets up an impactful re-entry of the main groove to follow. The song utilizes interrupting and varied rhythms to ensure the moments of slow, held bass and guitar strums don’t become overbearing.
Opening track ‘Toneblerone,’ featuring American rock band Can’t Swim, goes far in showcasing the powerfully penetrating and clean tones of singer, Charles Fitzgerald. The lead is also aided by a strong, upfront present in the mix, with a melody comprising of singular note stabs – a nod to Cant’s Swim’s American-style rock influence - which works to create stability, so that when the melody diverges those changed notes pierce through and differentiate themselves. Yet, the bridge in ‘Toneblerone,’ sung by Can’t Swim’s, Chris LoPorto, feels slightly out of place. The distortion and saturation is clearly an intended effect, however, the atmosphere and levelling makes it feel separate, rather than a natural movement of where the song wants to go.
‘Valentine’ may not have quite the same drive as the other tracks, and for that reason listeners may gravitate towards more powerful songs like ‘Toneblerone,’ but the simple and impactful chorus melody and lyrics - “Some people say that things will never change…Well that is how things…Stay the same.” – should not be overlooked. It’s a showcase in emotional and lyrical simplicity and intelligence, and is so satisfying to latch onto. This song is definitely worth more consideration against the other songs on the EP.
Final song, ‘Vanborghini,’ is, as Jetski eloquently puts it, “a song about a van, for people who like songs about vans.” It’s a short, fun way to end the EP with great guitar riffs. However, it’s let down slightly by the mirroring of the melody and lead guitar in the second half, which, when played together, feels slightly underwhelming when compared to the rest of the EP.
‘The Four Before’ may not retain the same emotional gravitas as previous EP, ‘For The Family’, but it makes up for it with real style. Featuring incredible rhythmic intensity and diversity, and melodies that you want to hold onto, Jetski’s latest EP will drag you right back to your teenage years of angst, energy, and wanting to enjoy and experience the world.
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