Most of the music I hear is sent to me by labels and publicists. But there’s nothing like getting it straight from the source. Welcome to the latest instalment of DIY Discovery, where I introduce you to artists who have sent me their music directly (and who don’t suck — that’s definitely part of the deal too). If you’d like to get in on that action, scroll down to the bottom of the page. But don’t skip over today’s fine find:
Jas Frank & the Intoits
HOME: Croatia
LATEST RELEASE: Their superb album The Girl from Cherry Valley.
MY PITHY DESCRIPTION: Music from everywhere — and nowhere.
NINE ADJECTIVES FOR THEIR MUSIC: Eccentric, eclectic, intriguing, stylish, crafted, endearing, intelligent, accomplished, poised.
WHO THEY SOUND LIKE: A mellower, warmer, happier Weezer. And about 100 other artists.
MY REVIEW
First things first: I owe Jas Frank & the Intoits an apology. Their excellent debut The Girl from Cherry Valley has been on my to-do list for weeks, but other things kept getting in the way. Thankfully, their music sounds just as good today as it did when I first heard it. And I’m fairly confident that will still be the case months from now. Mostly because their striking sound isn’t firmly dependent on any specific genre or era. Oh, it’s pop, to be sure. But there are also elements of rock, roots, emo, ska, electronica and more in these 10 tracks. The confident, sharply focused songwriting and inspired, vibrant self-production aren’t nostalgic by any stretch, but nether do they chase any current trends or jump on bandwagons. Frank’s personal-yet-inclusive lyrics and androgynous vocals — to my ear she sounds like a very laid-back Rivers Cuomo — smartly walk the line between being individually distinctive and universally appealing. Basically, Jas Frank & the Intoits have crafted an album that is simultaneously timely and timeless, unique and universal. They’ve certainly done nothing to be sorry for. That makes one of us.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“Jas Frank & the Intoits is a music project based in Croatia, comprised of Jasmina ‘Jas’ Frank, Marko Gacina and Slaven Bolanca. Their sound is direct and intuitive, with a focus on creating catchy, yet thought-provoking music. An innovative blend of different genres, their music has been influenced by diverse artists from different eras, such as Simon and Garfunkel, The Doors and Nirvana, down to RHCP and Gotye, only to mention a few.
“With the release of their debut album The Girl from Cherry Valley, Jas Frank & the Intoits are seeking to tear down the walls of musical clichés, explore different creative ideas and set the bar higher. Incorporating many unique songwriting elements, Jas Frank & the Intoits blend pop-sensibilities with avant-garde, experimental rock to create a diverse sonic soundscape rich with smart beats, intense instrumental arrangements, and vocal melodies intended to both challenge and entertain.”
NOW HEAR THIS
https://open.spotify.com/album/1HzjshEFlNvHLMsalaXrRi
NOW SEE HERE
YOUR TURN
If you’d like to be a DIY Discovery, no problemo: Just go to the Submit Music page, fill out the form and hit send. Or email me directly. I can’t promise I’ll feature you, but if you’re as awesome as you think you are, it could happen. You never know.
