Hype is a funny thing. It can make heroes of some, but for others it can be a fatal shot against their hopes of a sustainable career. However in the case of Jake Bugg, it looks like the former may the case as the nineteen year old Nottingham rockers debut album is chock full of memorable melody, catchy rhythms and most surprisingly, insightfulness.
Bugg wastes no time in catching the listener’s attention with the achingly catchy opener “Lightning Bolt”, immediately presenting himself as the point where Bob Dylan and Alex Turner meet. This momentum doesn’t let up as Jake almost effortlessly drops track after track, all of which are almost all absolute joys that never overstay their welcome, particular highlights being “Taste It” and “Two Fingers”.
Yes, one could argue that Jake is living under the shadow off his very noticeable influences, such as Noel Gallagher and the La’s, but let’s remember the boy is nineteen and releasing his debut. Jake may not be the most original artist working today, but he is certainly one of the most exciting and authentic.
Jake may not be reinventing the wheel, but it doesn’t stop his album, with all its wit and insightfulness, from sounding like a breath of fresh air. Surely the first step in a long and illustrious career.
4 Stars
Ryan Foynes
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