I don’t know much about Jason Clackley but after only a few listens to his latest release, To The Few And Far Between, you realize this guy has got soul. From a bit of research I gather that this is Clackley’s first solo material plugged in and with a full band behind him. But that’s kind of misleading as five of the eight songs here still showcase Clackley in a predominantly acoustic setting. In those restrained settings he is reminiscent to the darker stylings of Elliott Smith perhaps. Quite frankly though I wish they would turn the rock up cause that’s when Clackley and his vocals really tend to shine.
There are eight songs here and they rotate back and forth between rockers and acoustic numbers for the most part. Clackley’s varied style works well in either format. His acoustic stylings owe more to an indie pop side but when he gets the full band behind him that is where you see Clackley’s soulful vocals take shape. I’m not sure how relevant this comparison is but vocally Clackley’s raspy and almost motown style reminds me of The Pietasters’ Stephen Jackson. “I Won’t Submit” and the epic album closer “Wave Of Emotion” provide a nice bridge between the two styles. To The Few And Far Between is a fascinating merger between soul and indie rock as well as a wonderful introduction to a singer/songwriter that deserves a lot more attention.
You can get the CD (with hand-screened covers) for a measly $5 from Great Plains Records and vinyl is in the works.
Label: Great Plains / Young Summer
