A splash of different influences impact Jackson and the Poolsharks’ music.
Drawing from southern rock and blues and mixing in post-punk sounds, the result is an album that has classic rock vibes while still being modern.
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Jackson and the Poolsharks released a self-titled album in November. The 11-track album is laden with southern rock guitar riffs and smooth, laid-back vocals. These two aspects combine in a way that makes songs that float between genres, though the change in styles is not extremely noticeable.
Multiple songs on the album could be compared to ‘70s rock songs, while others contain subtle nods to pop influences.
Both the guitars and drums in the “Chop Me Down” are full of depth and are rather catchy. In almost all of the songs, guitars are prominent and provide a nice backing to the relaxed lyrics.
The guitar and drums in “Promise Land” shift from both background noise to guiding forces as the song progresses. Other songs on the album are the same way, including “Leslie.”
Mixing indie rock with more upbeat energy, “Mother Nature” starts slowly, but progresses into a track driven by drums, a blend of soft and louder music that works well.
In a similar fashion, “Taste the Sea” shifts from a slower pace to a quicker pace and back again several times. A particularly slow, calmed down moment near the end is complemented with a quicker them that ties the song together well.
“Coconut and the Mango” sets an outdoorsy scene, including nature sounds and lyrics such as, “Walking through the thick of it to get to the water.”
“Energy” deviates from the indie rock sound that dominates most of the songs on the album, exemplifying rock influences and focusing on heavier instrumentals. “The Pool Fighter” follows a similar lead, with more intense vocals.
On the contrary, “Trees” is slower from start to finish. Situated on the album between “Energy” and “The Pool Fighter,” it provides contrast and a smooth transition between two songs that slightly stand out from the rest of the tracks.
“Restore My Faith in Love” begins as an example of the music’s southern rock influences and sticks to that sound. Another track,“Thinkin’bout a Woman,” also does this but with a slower, calmer energy.
Changes in tempo, as well as additions of instruments periodically throughout the tracks keep the songs flowing in a way that reflects a multitude of music stylings.
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