The debut effort from Athens folk rockers The Jarts, Circadian Clocks, features several songs worthy of acclaim and repeated listens - the only problem is getting to them.
While the album as a whole is solid, the first two tracks, 2042 and Tunnel Vision are not a good judge of the band's potential. But if you stick around for Color Wheel
it all comes together. Borrowing a melody or two from The Beatles, this song is the best example of The Jarts at work: acoustic guitar and solo vocals kick the song off, slowly progressing to a full band collaboration, creating a song that demands to be replayed.
The band is at its best when things are kept simple. Songs like Red Lament and Pascagoula are mellow ballads that are perfect study music, and contain the most honest and heartfelt lyrics on the album.
While the simple songs are exquisitely done, that doesn't mean that The Jarts can't rock. Native Son is a song that would be cheesy if done by any other band, as it contains lyrics reflecting the perks of living in Athens and the beauty that surrounds the area. The song, which promises to be the most energetic of The Jarts' live show, fits perfectly on the album and culminates with one of the finest jams to include a cello solo in music history.
The members of The Jarts wear their influences on their sleeve, as songs like Overboard and Unearth could be mistaken for R.E.M. b-sides, and Hazy Lady is the best song Wilco never wrote.
Overall, Circadian Clocks is a solid first effort from the hard-working Athens five-piece. One can only hope that listeners will make it a point to listen to the whole album and not be turned away by a few weak tracks.
- J.W. Johnson Jr.
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