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ALBUM REVIEW:Jettison Never _________________________________RSS
"They Fall From Heaven Unassembled"

By Chris Brach

One of the major benefits of being a new site targeting music that is mostly unheard by the masses is that while an album may have been released a year or two ago, it is still new to us and most of, if not all of, our readers. This is especially handy when you run across an album that you just can't stop listening to, like Jettison Never's 2007 debut "They Fall from Heaven Unassembled." From the first listen, there was no doubt that we were going to Rockspose the trio out of Chattanooga, TN. But the more I listened to the album, I decided that this is one that definitely needed to be further shared with the world (Even though they are working on the follow up as I type this).

Jettison Never is a "family band" founded by brothers Josh and Matt Gilbert, who are joined by their cousin, drummer Ben Phillips. On my first go around with the album, the thing that immediately struck me was that I couldn't believe that there were only three people contributing to this intricate, often fast-paced sound. You would swear on a few of the songs that there are at least two other guitars helping support the cause, but in the end it is just two Gilberts and a Phillips!

"They Fall From Heaven Unassembled" offers a wide range of music, from the fast paced Foo Fighters-esque intro on "Love Won't Be Lost", to slower, more methodical melodies like "The Colour of Your Eyes" and "Vendetta." Jettison Never has found a unique sound that seems to give each song its own character. They do a nice job pulling bits and pieces from their musical influences throughout the disc, as the opening guitar in "Vendetta" sounds of early Coldplay and the influence of Kings of Leon is apparent in the track "Symphony of Dreams". There is also a hint of Jeff Buckley in Josh Gilbert's voice and guitar on a few of the tracks. But none of these nuances are overdone or a direct knock off of the bands, just enough to make you realize where Jettison Never came from.

While I enjoyed every song on this album, the track that I couldn't get out of my head and seemed to keep hitting the back button to listen to again was "Chemical". Maybe it was a product of the foretelling lyric "Just as long as you can hear, the sound of my voice will draw you near", or perhaps it is because Phillips is lightning quick on the drums, and the bass line that Matt thumps out carries the song from start to finish. It could also be Josh's lead vocals and the guitar work that speaks loudly to the U2 influence that the band incorporates in their music (The fast guitar rhythm on "Chemical" is very reminicent of a "Joshua Tree" Edge riff). After a good hundred listens or so, I determined that the correct answer is all of the above. The chemistry of the Gilberts and Phillips is so evident in the constant tempo changes, intricate riffs, and feverish pace of "Chemical", that it makes this song absolutely shine and stand out on what would otherwise be a hard album to choose a favorite on.

The album finishes strong with songs like "Tomorrow" and "Pull it Back", the later a track with some great soaring vocal work by Josh. Wrapping up the album is the mellow piano assisted title track, a slight departure from the rest of the songs, and a nice finish to an album that is well-balanced throughout.

Having created a nice mix of blusey rock that feels familiar yet fresh on every track of the album, this is easily a cover to cover listen. Which is exactly why you'll be happy to know they are working on the follow up when it's over, because you will want more!

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Chris Brach founded Rocksposure.com to Showcase the Unshowcased. Have a band that needs some time in the spotlight? Email him at GetRocked@Rocksposure.com