Born 4

Album Review

With some production credits by Trent Reznor and some assistance on one song by Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, Jakalope get down to business with the thick, groove-riddled, plodding "Anthem 2," which sounds a cross between Evanescence and some sort of '70s classic rock group. Avoiding the tendency to get a bigger sound, the band keeps things to a simple but inviting format. Following up is the techno-tinged rocker "Instigator" that has singer Katie B. sounding sweet and steely depending on what the song requires. The crisp, radio-friendly "Upside Down" has her delivering the lyrics with a sugar-coated, bubbly charm. It also comes complete with handclaps in the hook-filled chorus. This momentum continues with the finely crafted, industrial-laced and slick "Throw It Away," which once again is sealed with a great chorus. Unfortunately, things slip a bit with the punk-oriented rave-up dubbed "Code 4 Love," which sounds like it was done live off the floor. Perhaps the most adventurous, out there effort is "Intervention." Here the band sound like they've been influenced by Iggy Pop's "Nightclubbing" or "Dragging the Line" by Tommy James & the Shondells. It's a slow, groovy ditty that Katie B. nails perfectly. Most of the songs are worthy of being singles, especially the urgent, murky "Digging Deep." The album's homestretch has a few average numbers, such as the lightweight "Get It Back," and the insipid, acoustic-based "Unsaid" which would make a decent B-side.