With Cory Glanton on vocals, Jeremy Peterson and Jeff Ogle on guitars, Gabe Ayala on bass and Scott Letz on drums, the band Lockjaw offers an amazing collection of songs on their album, “Human”.
Even though Lockjaw’s “Human” opens with oddly placed carnival music, the album is one that I have been listening to nonstop all day. The carnival music fades very nicely into a song that, I believe, personifies the album, “Come Alive”. After the song begins, the CD does just that. With a mixture of in-your-face drums and guitar blasts, the album begins with a bang. Vocalist Cory Glanton offers up an emotional delivery of the lyrics that make up “Come Alive”. With a mixture of understandable lyrics and obviously heartfelt screams, this song is one that will have you hitting the repeat button.
If indeed you can get past pressing the repeat button to hear “Come Alive” again, you will get the pleasure of hearing the ballad, as well as title song, “Human”. This song has seemed to have the “that song” factor that most bands strive for in a single.
Beginning with a slower start, “Human” draws you in for a song that will be in your head for days. For those of you who cannot, or will not, learn lyrics to songs that you actually have to read, this melodious song is for you. This is the song that will be sung out loud from the crowd at shows and one that you will walk away from the venue singing.
Again, if you can hold back from pressing the repeat button because “Human” captivated your mind so, “Gold and Silver” is on the menu for the next track. For those of you who are like me, and you like to scream along with bands at their shows, this is the song for you. The screaming parts of this song are perfect for those moments when you want to blow off steam and just belt out lyrics that are written from the depths of the human soul, commanding that you “take your place next to your god and bow down”.
If it’s raw rock power you are searching for, then track four is the one your sights should be set on. I implore you take a step back from the vocals now and listen to the instrumentals of “Wretched Sober”. Guitarists, Jeremy Peterson and Jeff Ogle, drummer, Scott Letz and bassist Gabe Ayala deliver a performance that will not be soon forgotten. This song will, like the cliché says, “…melt your face off…” This is the track of the CD that I believe really shows off the talent the musicians of Lockjaw truly have.
The only thing I walk away regretting after listening to “Human” is that there are only four songs on it. “Human” leaves me wanting more and anxiously awaiting the next installment from this awesome group of artists.
Lockjaw will be performing at the Galaxy Club March 31 as part of System Overload’s CD release.
-CG Rockstar