Album Review: Handsome Jack Show That You Can’t Go Wrong With ‘A Good Thing’
There are a lot of bands these days who play music like they’re a blast from the past, but few of them exhibit an inventive approach while keeping things fresh. Coming from the small Western New York town of Lockport, Handsome Jack are one of those few I just alluded to. If you’re a fan of rock & roll from the ’60s and ’70s, then the trio of vocalist & guitarist Jamison Passuite, bassist Joe Verdonselli and drummer Bennie Hayes create a sound that you’re going to love. A great starting point is their fifth full-length album A Good Thing that’s out via Radiator Records today (March 1). There are few songs that got some twang, while others embody a hard edge, but from start to finish it’s cohesively excellent.
The rhythms that are forged from both Verdonselli and Hayes’ syncopation are rock solid and versatile. Sometimes they can be rapidly fast paced while at other instances they’re steady and groovy. Verdonselli and Hayes also provide stellar backing vocals that create stunning harmonies in most of the songs with Passuite taking the lead. Passuite gives off a sense of charisma that’s absolutely timeless while his guitar provides the necessary amplification to make it all work in pristine fashion. These are a few reasons why A Good Thing is a fantastic album and a must-listen for any rock & roll enthusiast.
“Wind It Up” starts it off with Chicago-style electric blues that’s accented by Passuite’s singing. With a catchy chorus, “It’s Understood” is prime example of those groovy rhythms and splendid harmonies. I also love the way the guitar gives off these twangy chords to make for swampy tones and muddy-sounding riffs. Another straight up rocker is “Turn Up the Heat” while being an outlier due to either Verdonselli or Hayes doing the majority of the singing. Other notable tracks include “She Don’t Know How to Rock and Roll”, “Sasparilla”, “Nobody Left but You” and “Five on Down”.
Handsome Jack’s new album is a wonderful array of guitar-driven tunes that definitely deserves a listen. To immerse your senses in some high- quality rock & roll, click on the link below. A Good Thing lives up to its name in a variety of ways, but you have to plug in, and press play to realize why.
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