Part of Brickwall Jackson’s gift, as showcased on their recent project Big Orange Guitar is that they don’t take themselves too seriously, while simultaneously not shying away from sentimental emotion. Within this album, first released March 22, humor and country-rock-infused instrumental pizazz is able to shine, alongside tender, slower hits that speak to their lyrical mastery.
The band is able to serve listeners a pleasant dose of juxtaposition in this album as the first half of the album, more specifically the opening five tracks provide a completely different musical story than the latter. The front section of the album is fast-paced, loud, and booming with intense drums and electric guitar. The second half of the album, while not as in-your-face, features a strong acoustic effort with beautiful guitar and piano. The last five songs also dabble into softer rock elements. Brickwall Jackson is able to blend genres and different flows in a way that not many can.
The album also succeeds in having a sufficient balance. In the first five tracks, the more rock-infused tracks have the instruments have a higher volume than the vocals. The instrumentation tells the story and seemingly all the instruments play at similar scales, letting each track have an excitingly overwhelming feel. Later on, the acoustic tracks allow
The intro to the album is the energetic title track, “Big Orange Guitar.” The song is infused with enchanting drums, gritty vocals, and a bass so loud it would make speakers pop in the best way. The track is also structured well, it is almost that someone fond of facing could square dance to. Alongside a nice country twang, “Big Orange Guitar” has a rock-band-style bravado.
“Happy Ain’t Happy” is unique in its comedic tone and storytelling. While a legit country-rock banger, the track’s lyrics are cheeky in nature. “You ain’t happy ‘til you’re happy, then you ain’t,” vocalist Johnny Hudak sings sarcastically. Production wise the track has some ‘50s Grease (by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey) sounding hints to it, although more pointed and rock heavy. The song is upbeat and fast paced.
“Porch Swing” is while still utilizing electric guitar and drums, is on the softer side. The song is quieter and its lowkey nature and smart instrumentations allows the track to have strong sonic world building. The track transports listeners to a warm summer evening on a beach. Lyrically, the song is a nice twist on a love song, focusing on the pure connection of a strong friendship. The story is clearly sung with sentimental, tender emotion and performance wise, there are some nice vocal belts in the back end of the track. The song is a nice breather before the next booming track.
“Get Off My Lawn” is an immaculate hodgepodge of jazz, blues, rock, and country. A deft piano guides listeners through this zesty track. With a runtime of two minutes and 14 second, the track gives audiences a taste of this genre-blending perfection without overstaying its welcome. The lyrics are humorous and bitey: “Get off of my lawn/ Get up and get gone/ Pack your sh*t and carry on.”
“Ol Scratch” is a song that is a mixture of the loud first half of the album and the low key energy that took over the second part of it. The instrumentation is amongst some of the most compelling on the entirety of the project. Hudak showcases the lower part of his vocal range, giving a husky performance. Moreover, there is a jam-session-style instrument solo mixed in partway through the song that will make the audience listen in awe. The electric guitar is especially played well with slick tactfulness.
Big Orange Guitar is a master class in the art of balance and the beauty of opposition. Tracks vary from intense, loud rock to softer, romantic country-rock ballads. Brickwall Jackson is not afraid to let each song stand for itself. They also showcase restraint in not letting any track stick out oddly; despite the uniqueness throughout, each track makes sense sonically in relation to the project. This upbeat album will be one reflected fondly upon in the future by fans of the band and of the country-rock genre as a whole.