The most surprising thing about the new Jack single is that it doesn't feature Anthony Reynolds' voice. Instead Dan Fante, son of American novelist John Fante (who died some years ago but has long been one of Reynolds' literary influences) is pressed into service.
His gravelly voice is perfect for a nightmarish, drug-fuelled narrative over a harsh, hypnotic guitar and sample backing (including what sounds like Nazi stormtroopers). "I'm so fucking high death wouldn't dare interrupt me now," snarls Fante, and you believe him. This is a radical departure for Jack and signals an interesting new direction on the new album The End Of the Way It's Always Been, from which this is the first single. It's heavier, funkier and well worth checking out.
Boyfriends and Girlfriends takes us back into more familiar Jack territory with Reynolds back on vocal duties, for a rather good song reminiscent of early Rolling Stones, but track three is a rather unnecessary instrumental version of The Emperor of New London.
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