It’s been about five years since the Raleigh-based roots rock band Jack the Radio last put out a record and they have clearly been inspired by the break (though members have been involved in other musical projects in the interim). Creatures, their latest LP, is their most musically diverse set of songs yet, adding influences that span blues, Americana, Southern Rock, Country, among others.
The album’s opening salvo, the 42 second long “Electric Haze,” is a Hendrix-worthy instrumental setting the table for what follows – 14 tracks of guitar-heavy music anchored by George Hage’s powerhouse vocals. There are also a handful of inspired vocal cameos from Lydia Loveless, Tamisha Waden and Jeanne Jolly to help with the heavy lifting.
Though not exactly billed as a concept album, there are definitely themes that weave in and out of the collection here that bind them all together. Clearly not immune to current events, “We’re Alright” speaks to the drastic polarization in our country at the moment, while “Let’s Be Real” and “Trouble” both unravel against a backdrop of living in fucked up times. While this album was written in a pre-COVID, pre-Federal troops descending on American cities timeline, the themes here take on added significance at this moment and Hage’s knack for writing hauntingly memorable lyrics take on added meaning.
Adding to the concept theory, accomplished artist Hage (he’s designed album covers and merch designs for everyone from American Aquarium to Chris Shiflett) has created a companion comic to go with the album, Jack the Radio Creatures Anthology, which begins each chapter with a song title from the album.
Not unlike their earlier efforts, Creatures is a slow burn of sorts. It may not hit you after just one sitting, but after spending some time with the record, the impact is inevitable and the songs stay with you long after to make it possibly the band’s best album to date.
