MP3: Jackman - Leave you where you lie

Jackman is the solo project of Wunderkammer guitarist/frontman Pål Jackman along with brother Morten, who also plays drums with Helldorado and The Colors Turned Red. The trio is rounded out by bassist John Lilja, whose playing can be heard on albums from artists like Thomas Dybdahl and Rub a Dubs. The band has toured with fellow Norwegians Kaizers Orchestra, pairing that will seem obvious once you hear the song I've posted today. Yes, both bands play a form of Gypsyfied rock, though Kaizers tends to be far more grandiose and bombastic while Jackman seems much more suited for a dark and smokey barroom. Pål croons and strums while the band lays down a heavy shuffling beat. The little diminished chord guitar licks enhance the atmosphere, but the thing I love most about Jackman is the recording. This is the sound of three guys playing music together, nothing more. No excessive overdubs, no gratuitous production. There's not even any distortion on the guitar - any dirt you hear is just the sound of the amp being pushed hard. The upright bass thumps and clicks just like it should. The drums sound clean and natural. It's so simple, it's stupid. Why can't more bands record like this? Oh yeah, most bands just aren't that good.

Jackman - Leave you where you lie