Jackie O

Jackie O – a three piece consisting of Sister Ruth (drums), Jo Jo (Bass) and Jackson Starfield (vocals/guitar) are on stage. launching into what will be their debut release on Skinnydog – ‘Silver Low Rider’.

Due to the preceding band’s wonderful ability to create a complete void of emotion throughout the room the audience are extremely inattentive at the commencement. In response, the easy listening haribo shite that has softened the venue beforehand is chewed up and spat back in the faces of the spectators by Jackson Starfield. The contrast in energy and creativity of Jackie O to their predecessors appears to make the comatosed audience rear back in mild alarm.

I count about two definitive breaks in between songs. Other than this definition the band surge and plummet through their songs with no interruption, not giving the audience a chance to react be it well or unfavourably.

The music is vaguely reminiscent of a kick arse Royal Trux or possibly a ‘tear your arse off with your teeth’ John Spencer Blues Explosion. But it’s extremely difficult to compare their uniqueness to anyone (judging on their live performance). To say they are an example of controlled chaos wouldn’t be complimentary enough as they are so in control of the direction (apart from the odd missed bass line) that although the chaos is predominant, it’s theirs and it’s not going anywhere they don’t want it to.

Jackson is wild-eyed and utterly absorbed in his preaching. His vocals scream or purr unintelligibly at you throughout. You may catch the odd word but that’s your lot, for example a track in the middle somewhere on their single called ‘Tight Pants Leather Boots Eyeliner and a Great Big Gun’ is kind of difficult to miss. The music rips through the venue, stupefying and captivating the crowd (for better or for worse). A blues based rock combined with the gumption of experimentation and a freedom to move in and around their creation. And they look great too. It is the lack of restrictions within the vocals and drumming that really catch and hold your ear. They are making a serious mark, and to misquote Wilde, at least they’ll be talked about. The drummer, Sister Ruth, is one of the best drummers I have seen for a long time. Her timing and fast varying rhythms are impeccable. One to watch.

I have to mention the blood. About a third of the way through the gig, looking at Jackson’s face I notice a red smear across it. Believing him to be ‘doing a Flaming Lips’ I think no more. But a little later, looking at his guitar, it becomes apparent that it is dripping with blood. Yet he continues for another good thirty minutes and I’m not sure at what point the plectrum comes into play. He comes into the audience twice, simply to stare them out and is visibly shaking.

They finish. The crowd clap politely and then hastily rush forward for the Realistics who are the headline band, I am guessing because they supported the Strokes. Ultimately depressing, as once Jackie O get one good NME review you know they will surge forward that three quarters of an hour earlier.

They have a single out on 2nd December. It’s called Silver Low Rider. Go and buy it if you think the rock business lacks originality and you want to hear where it could go. If you want your 4x4 beat garage rock ballad, please keep your distance ladies and gentlemen, Jackie O bite.