Cassette Review // Fir Cone Children "Jig Of Glee" (Blackjack Illuminist Records)

 

https://blackjackilluministrecords.bandcamp.com/album/jig-of-glee

"Jig Of Glee" begins with this flurry of percussion and distorted pop rock.   This has an upbeat rock way about it which reminds me of Porno For Pyros but it also feels sped up, as this has a faster pace.  I'm also reminded of the band called Brazil from back in the day on Fearless Records (I often wonder what happened to them)   As we get into the second song you can begin to hear these parts which have sing-along qualities and this brings in the idea of this also being a collection of songs which can be catchy.  

While this can feel like a lighter band, such as The Pixies, it also has this driving bass line that can be heavily distorted which makes me think of Husker Du.  The combination of sounds of rock is truly remarkable.   We slow down a little bit in the next two songs and as we go into "Youth Lagoon" I am reminded of Upper Wilds.  Then it just turns into this wild, fast paced song with the drums leading the charge.   An upbeat bass line takes us into "Witches Lab", which also just has an overall trippy pop rock sound to it.

On the flip side we begin with these guitar riffs which can make this sound more like surf rock.  Going into "Main" the feeling is a little bit darker, but it bounces around in a fun way and it makes you want to get up and move.   "Battery" has these lyrics which hit with the beats and then goes up in la-la-la's.  This is such a light-hearted type of sound that borders on pop it feels impossible not to like, but it also carries a weight of seriousness with it as well.  

The verse on the song "I Need An Amp And A Synth" can be more like notes and then kick in heavier in the chorus, which is a nice contrast.  I also enjoy that the two things Fir Cone Children need are an amp and synth, as other musicians might have chosen a guitar.  "Vote For Me" ends with those very solemn notes and in a very desolate manner.   While I realize there is a bonus track on the digital version, this song about stuffed animals having all of the power really is a fitting way to end this cassette and I couldn't imagine it any other way.