Everything Under The Sun, the new album by Washington D.C. trio Jukebox the Ghost is a pop happy innovative tribute to classic piano rock. Jukebox offers music that feels familiar, complex, energetic, and warm at the same time. On this sophomore release, the band that started practicing in the music department at The George Washington University, solidifies itself as a unique and creative powerhouse.
For those not familiar with the band's first release "Live and Let Live," the new album offers fewer songs with repetitive sing-a-long hooks. This is not to the detriment of the album. Prior successful songs including "Good Day" and "Hold it In" were delightful to be stuck one's head, but were so catchy they could remain their too long. On the new album Ben Thornwell (keys) and Tommy Siegel (guitar) continue to share lead vocal duties. As expected, Thornwell continues to shine as a brilliant vocalist, keyboard player, and the heart of the band's sound. It's difficult to determine whether Thornwell is more talented at singing or playing piano. With theatrical vocal antics and powerful second nature piano chops, he is easily comparable to Ben Folds. Thornwell's vocals and songwriting style are perhaps closer to that of Freddie Mercury and Queen. This is a big to do comparison, but it is well warranted.
Improving on the new album are the vocals offered by Siegel. Since Live and Let Live, he has clearly benefited from singing on the tour van with Thornwell. Now Siegel has a strong falsetto and a greater mastery of his own vocal abilities. Once again, Jukebox chose to keep Siegel's guitar as second fiddle to Thornwell's piano playing. Although this definitely works for the band's sound, I'm dying to hear the band let Siegel loose. He's an incredibly talented guitarist who has clearly spent an incalculable amount of time developing his use of guitar tone and effect pedals. Siegel plays with a bright tone and lingering sustain that sounds similar to the tone of Trey Anastasio (Phish). Together, Siegel and Thornwell make a great team complimenting each other and developing sounds from their instruments and vocals that make the band feel as if there is a fourth member.
Standout tracks include: Empire (iTunes album features a remix by Freelance Whales), The Stars, and Schizophrenia (performed on Late Night with David Letterman).
Suggestion: Get the album if you like- Phoenix, Ben Folds, Queen, MGMT
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