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I’ll be honest, I purchased The Samuel Jackson Five strictly for the name. I can’t quite remember, but I’m pretty sure I saw their name under one of those “listener’s also bought” type categories when purchasing the new album by Russian Circles. I suppose they both somewhat fit into the Chicago math rock scene. However, there are two key differences between the two bands. The Samuel Jackson Five has a much more apparent jazz influence and even a little experimental rock from time to time. The other difference is that The Samuel Jackson Five isn’t from Chicago, but instead Oslo, Norway. Then again, I’ve never actually been there and I suppose it’s unreasonable to believe every Norwegian loves and/or plays death metal… and has long hair for head banging. Although, if The Samuel Jackson Five is the alternative, then I’m moderately OK with that dream being shattered.
Imagine a blend of post-rock with a little bit of jazz and a hint of math rock. That’s the best description I can come up with. You really have to hear these guys to fully grasp what they’re doing. I usually have a habit of picking out a band’s sound by merging two or three different bands. I’m at a loss with these guys. I can’t really place it, but they manage to keep a relatively consistent style while cycling through several different instruments. They’ve got the usual drum kit, guitars, and bass guitar combo. But sometimes they’ll pull out an upright bass, piano, keyboard, violin, horns, etc. There seems to never be more than five guys playing at once though, so it’s never too busy… aside from that one experimental section on Easily Misunderstood (2005). Then again, the title of that track is Person Most Likely to Enjoy the Taste of Flesh. So, I suppose that’s the feeling they’re trying to get across. Needless to say I don’t want to meet someone such as that, nor can I listen to that track very often. Every other track is very chill, relaxing, and all around enjoyable. It is all instrumental for the time being. The Samuel Jackson Five have said they haven’t ruled out getting a singer in the future, but this is where they are now. Personally, I always feel like solid vocals can also make any music even better, but it isn’t necessary and sometimes isn’t worth the risk of the vocals being sub-par and ruining what was already amazing.
I first purchased Same Same, But Different (2004) and then nearly immediately purchased their latest album Easily Misunderstood. The first of these two feels a little jazzier to me, but at times is also a little more repetitive. I don’t mind it though. You’ve just got to relax and let the music take you for a ride. Everything they do is done for a reason. I feel as though some sections are a little longer than you might be used to in order to get you in the right mood for what’s to come. Sometimes a single instrument may repeat the same phrase for nearly the whole song while various instruments alternate with the lead, again that’s for the mood too. Just go with it. Easily Misunderstood is a little more upbeat and throws in some post-rock into the mix. It might just be me, but this album always puts me in a great mood. Check out their website and go to their media section to check out full versions of the two tracks I’ve made clips from as well as a few others.
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