Jukebox the Ghost Rocked My Face Off

This weekend was a big one for Jukebox the Ghost. Not only did Saturday mark the release of their first EP (which sold over 200 copies just on opening night), but the release show was at the Black Cat, one of DC's premier concert venues. And, to add to what must be the most exciting few days of their thriving career, they drew a crowd of over 600 fans, friends, and family. The least exciting part? I have been given the green light by Thrill Music Magazine, the new music mag that's launching on September first that I am staff-writing for, to write a feature on Jukebox for the first issue, which will coincide with the release of the EP's subsequent LP.

[Sidenote: I'm very excited about Thrill. Even if it's part-time, and even if I'm not getting paid (yet), Lauren's (editor) enthusiasm and encouragement are simply inspiring. She's not afraid to shoot down my ideas, but given my brilliance she hasn't had to do it too often yet. I've got a column that will be published in most issues (subject a secret), a series of stories about Bonnaroo (June 14-17), the Jukebox feature, a world-music column, and several other running-story ideas involving travel and local American music trends. So...everyone be on the lookout for Thrill Music Magazine (thrillmusicmag.com will be up and running very shortly) and tell Lauren how much you want to see more of me and how badly you want to see me get paid.]

Back to Jukebox

Simply put, Jukebox the Ghost rocked my face off on Saturday night. They had the crowd jumping, cheering and, of course, their front-row-fans were clapping in all the right places (as directed by lead singer, the phenomenal Ben Thornewill). Thornewill also played his senior recital the following night to a packed Hand Chapel on GW's Mt. Vernon campus, where he shone brightly in the presence of his family and close friends. Recital aside, the Jukebox stage presence is undeniably enthralling.

Tommy Siegel (guitar and vocals) has this innocent-yet-goofy way about him, constantly smiling in an almost awkward way on stage, but not so much so that the audience feels bad for him. Just endearing. Thornewill, undeniably the band's emotional leader, is a force on the piano and microphone. His harmonies aren't always spot-on, but his voice is always dynamic and he seems genuinely happy to be playing for you. He involves the audience, and isn't afraid to communicate with his band-mates on stage, a fact that only adds to the interactive nature of their performance. While pianoing, Thronewill manages to hit the highs and lows, often in quick succession, while Siegel's harmonies rarely wander off pitch.

The final piece of the Jukebox puzzle, drummer Jesse Kristin, is equally entertaining to watch. His incessant stick twirls and tambourine flips add some flare to the already immensely fun performance, and he just bangs away on those cans like it's his job...which, coincidentally, it is. Though clearly self-taught, his driving and melodic style is a perfect match for the quickfingeredness of Thornewill and Siegel.

As an added bonus, the music stands on its own as masterful piano-rock. Fun-to-watch members aside, Thronewill and Siegel write in different styles (think Ben Folds with Billy Joel's lyrical ability and Trey Anastasio with Thom York's lyrical ability), and the lyrics are particularly rousing and beautifully crafted (most notably Thornewill's, though Siegel's are nothing to shake a stick at...is that even a common saying?).

Well, that turned into way more of an article than I wanted it to be. The goal was to just say a few fun things about Jukebox, but it turned into a longass review of their wonderfulness and my obsession with watching them thrive in the piano-starved world of modern rock. I'll be back with a ranting mess of a post soon...