John Davis
JINX
Lost In Ohio [2024]
“John Davis’ JINX strikes a perfect balance between raw emotion and razor-sharp rock, delivering a stripped-down sound with undeniable heart.”
Album Overview: John Davis, known for his work with Superdrag, found himself at a crossroads when the initial tracking sessions for JINX stalled. Superdrag couldn’t complete the album, but Davis felt the songs needed to see the light of day. Turning to long-time inspiration Stewart Pack and his son, Henry, Davis formed a new band, enlisting Stewart as producer and both Pack men as the rhythm section. With this fresh setup, Davis embarked on a new chapter, crafting the material into something distinct while remaining true to his musical roots. JINX stands as an expression of contrasts in Davis’ life, balancing themes of darkness and light. The album brings together the raw emotions of depression with the joy of new love, using a sparse, direct approach to the instrumentation and arrangements. Through minimalism, JINX becomes a personal exploration, filled with moments of reflection and emotional depth. The title is an inside joke between Davis and his fiancée, symbolizing the balance between good and bad experiences throughout the record. The record is very Superdrag-like, and if you’re a fan of the band, you’ll likely appreciate JINX. It features guitar-driven tracks, sharp drums, and Davis’ engaging melodies.
Musical Style: The sound on JINX is informed by the energy of three-piece bands like Hüsker Dü and Dinosaur Jr., mixed with the simplicity and drive of Big Star-style rock. Davis opted for a leaner, stripped-down production, primarily building the album’s sonic world with one guitar—creating an immediate, grounded sound that draws listeners in with its clarity and focus. Don’t mistake his approach for a simplistic one, as Davis maximizes the range and muscular power of his Fender Stratocaster.
Evolution of Sound: JINX shows a shift from Davis’ previous projects, particularly in its more straightforward, no-frills approach. Compared to the fuller, more elaborate arrangements of his Superdrag or The Lees of Memory days, the album emphasizes a more intimate and raw rock presentation. The decision to avoid over-production, focusing on simplicity and emotional resonance, gives JINX a focused, lean sound that strips away excess while still delivering impactful songs.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Teenage Fanclub, Matthew Sweet, Velvet Crush, Material Issue, and Big Star will find familiar ground in JINX. The album shares a melodic sensibility with touches of power pop and indie rock, offering plenty of harmonies while maintaining a simplicity that runs through the record’s tracks.
Pivotal Tracks: “The Future” opens with a striking reflection on personal struggle, while “Please Be My Love” highlights the more positive, romantic side of the album. “Take My Brains Out” delivers a familiar hook reminiscent of Davis’ past work, yet still feels fresh. “Indifferent Stars” is one of the album’s biggest-sounding tracks, with Davis’ vocals sitting just above the guitar’s slight feedback. “In Between the Waves” kicks off like a Pixies tune, brimming with high-octane energy, barely crossing the two-minute mark. It showcases Davis’ ability to craft a catchy slice of indie rock.
Lyrical Strength: Davis’ lyrics on JINX alternate between introspective expressions of personal battles and declarations of love, creating a unique blend of vulnerability and optimism. He bares a range of emotions, offering listeners a window into both his inner turmoil and more hopeful moments. In the final track, “I’m Sorry,” Davis asks, “Who to take the fight towards when you’re the enemy?” It’s just one example of how the lyrics on JINX feel personal and honest, providing an unfiltered look into Davis’ experiences.
JOHN DAVIS REVIEW HISTORY
The Lees Of Memory: Moon Shot (2020)
JOHN DAVIS LINKS
Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Lost In Ohio
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