[rating=3.00]
On his debut solo album, Mikey James rebrands himself under the pseudonym Mikey Jukebox and reinvents himself by packaging a disparate collection of influences. It’s not surprising, given the artist’s background. James cut his teeth as a drummer for post-punk band Longwave and a frontman for punk rockers The Blood. That work is contrasted by endeavors as far from punk as possible – fronting DJ Dick James/Footage and power pop band The Mercies.
With a grand pallet from which to draw, Mikey Jukebox is loaded with elements of glam, classic rock, punk and pop, all coated with a shimmering dance beat. The album’s variety is both its main appeal and its biggest problem. While it’s fun to play a game of Spot the Influence, the LP at times sounds more like a sampling of James’ favorite styles than a cohesive project.
The guitar and synth-driven jams of Mikey Jukebox are too polished and artificial for indie rock tastes. The collection also lacks any sense of passion. Compared to the usual dance pop playlists found at the downtown clubs, however, the album seems inspired. Though nothing special lyrically – Mikey sings about rock and roll far too often – there are enough hooks in the energetic mix to keep the dance floor busy without getting monotonous.
As catchy as anything in the dance-punk movement, James crams a lot into the mix, but the main element is fun. For better or worse, Mikey Jukebox’s debut is a perfect soundtrack for sweaty nights of moving to pounding beats and spilling overpriced drinks under the club strobe lights.
