Artist: The Jinxes
Album: Send Me A Sign EP
Genre: Folk, Pop
For fans of: The Weepies, Seabear

The Jinxes‘ debut effort opens with the soft and subtle “If You Want (the buh bah song).” It’s a short introduction with a lot of heart and expected “buh bahs.” Although the production may be a tad rough, the evidence is there that this couple has a true passion for their craft. Their connection oozes through their sounds and it makes for a more intimate listening experience. They’re not breaking any new ground here but I imagine they’re holding hands and enjoying the ground that was already there.

The second track, “Migration,” begins with a standard cutesy rhyme pattern from Deanna Ross which expands into a more melodic wall of sound with string arrangements, a country-like vibe and a duet formed with additional vocals from guitarist Kevin Smith. “Migration” may be the prettiest offering from the EP but it gets a bit repetitive in its structure and unfortunately drags.

The third track is the lengthiest and probably the most solid contribution on Send Me A Sign. “She Runs Away” is a simple, anthemic folk tune that’s much like its predecessor in two ways. It has a vibe reminiscent of a country pop song and it’s relatively too long for its content. It is, however, the track most likely to succeed from the EP. If one song from Send Me A Sign were to be played on the radio, I’d imagine this to be it. It has popular elements and a solid delivery.

The EP closes with its title track which includes The Jinxes’ sounds found in the previous three quarters of the effort (sans country) but with more indie pop execution, keyboard elements included. Listening to this track more now, I partially retract my previous statement regarding “She Runs Away” being the most solid contribution or track most likely to get radio play. “Send Me A Sign” is of equal appeal but would definitely be played on a very different station or to a different demographic. It’s the most playful of the four tracks and doesn’t overstay its welcome.

With just these 4 tracks spanning 14 minutes in length, it’s a very brief encounter with The Jinxes but it’s an endearing one regardless. Their debut EP, Send Me A Sign, is cute, delicate, and at times beautiful, but it is very rough and feels rushed and or unfocused. With more attention to detail and effort in the studio, The Jinxes could certainly put out solid efforts and garner more positive attention. The potential is there, it just needs to be more fully realized and appreciated by the band themselves.

SCORE: 6.5/10

Review written by: Brian Lion – Follow him on Twitter

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Brian Leak

Editor-In-Chief. King of forgetting drinks in the freezer. Pop culture pack rat. X-Phile. LOST apologist.

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