Moshpit magazine : https://moshpitmag.com/jack-and-sally-who-we-become-ep-set-high-standards/

The UK pop-rock scene is always stirring up something amazing, so it comes as no surprise that East London trio, Jack and Sally, are releasing fire content. Their latest EP, Who We Become, was recently released through Engineer Records. All five tracks are absolutely killer, becoming my favorite soundtrack to dance around in my bedroom to. Each song ties into one theme similar to the style of a concept album. 

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The first track, “Superstar,” opens with grace as the kick drum coming in at the 50-second mark, bringing the song into full force. The killer guitar solos slay the game and put the rock in pop-rock. In this song, the narrative is telling the story of a girl named Macy. We are introduced to Macy in this song and she will become a major character in the other tracks. Ben Felix, vocalist and bassist, sings about how fast Macy has grown into the person she is, a superstar, and why she should keep her head up. I think we can all relate to Macy as we all could use a reminder to “stand low with your head held high.”

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Track number two, “Nevernia,” keeps the energy going as the drummer, Pravir Ramasundaram, keeps the beat alive with a steady and positively punk drum beat. Joshua Jacobs, guitarist, keeps up the punk attitude with a melody that shreds. Adding the pop to pop-rock, Jack and Sally used what sounded like a synth in this track, making it my favorite track out of the five. If I can both shake my hips and headbang to the same track, it is a damn good track. 

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The rockin’ guitar melodies and punk drum beats keep on coming with track three, “Tomorrow’s Revolution.” Just as the title states, “Tomorrow’s Revolution” could start a whole revolution. “Tomorrow’s Revolution” was the first single to be released from the band in 2018, and has made its way to their debut EP as it rightfully deserves. This track is the perfect battlecry soundtrack for when you feel broken down and need a lift in spirits. With lyrics such as “take your flag and raise it to the sky and become tomorrow’s revolution” gives me hope for the future. 

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“Long Way Home” is the fourth track, adding a ballad deserving of a lighter to the mix. The guitar and bass could serenade me off my feet or lull me to a peaceful sleep. Either way, I would be 100% happy. In fact, I would love this song to be played at my wedding. Jacobs’ guitar melody swings this tranquil melody out of the park. 

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The final track, “Macy,” words. Remember Macy from the first track, “Superstar?” Well in this song she came back into focus for one final time. The perfect ending to tie up an already stellar EP. The song starts as a pop ballad with a piano melody that fuels all the emotion. As if for perfect timing, the song picks up speed at the 35-second mark with a bass line that drives this album home and a drumbeat that hits hard and hits home. As the lyrics say, this song makes me “remember how it feels to live.” 

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There is a little Macy in all of us, and Jack and Sally proved that with their beyond amazing debut EP. A great breakthrough Ep from a breakthrough London pop-rock band. If this is just the beginning, I am excited to see what else Jack and Sally have in store for this upcoming year. 

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Thoughts Words Action : https://thoughtswordsaction.com/2020/07/27/jascdep/

Who We Become is a debut EP recording by Jack And Sally, East London-based pop-punk trio. The group nurtures profoundly emotive pop-punk sound since 2018 and their music vividly resembles heavyweights of the abovementioned genre. However, Ben Felix, Joshua Jacobs, and Pravir Ramasundaram tend to saturate this specific subgenre of punk rock with some decent signature moves. Previously, Jack And Sally announced this material through a couple of singles over social media, such as Tomorrow’s Revolution and Macy. Who We Become precisely showcases upgraded songwriting and composing through five exceptional numbers that, by any means, exceed all expectations.

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Who We Become commences with Superstar, neat opening tune with appropriate arpeggiated intro, followed by warm sounding basslines. All of a sudden, the number transits into a polyphonic orchestration, supported by dynamic drumming experience. Superstar includes all the essentials of pop-punk, such as palm-muted chord progressions, massive build-ups, gracious choruses highlighted by excellent lead vocals. The entire group demonstrates notable musicianship through this song. The trio continues at the same pace with Nevernia, perfectly structured number pervaded by brilliant arrangements. This particular composition resembles older works by Descendents, a legendary pop-punk group that shaped up this spectacular genre. However, Jack And Sally are leaning towards the more contemporary sound, stacked by impressive guitar licks. Perhaps it possesses bits and pieces of mentioned pop-punk greats, but they’re certainly not doing it purposely.

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On the other hand, Tomorrow’s Revolution outstands with remarkable octave ridden themes, dominantly presented through the entire number. The verses are carrying another generous serving of palm-muted riffages that are simultaneously leading to beautiful chorus segments. The band progresses through this tune with such graciousness, and the complete trio function as a unified mechanism. Long Way Home settles the atmosphere with subtle indie melodies, mainly showcased through arpeggiated sequences, appropriate low-end tones, and distinct drumming performance. Like the previous numbers, Long Way Home includes a slightly melancholic chorus that instantly melts the heart. Jack And Sally decided to finish this remarkable EP with Macy, one of the singles they’ve previously announced this material across the web. The band introduces a short and concise piano segment at the very beginning of the song. It provides a bit of refreshment, and it serves as an appealing intro for this particular tune. This number sounds a bit anthemic, like a retrospective love song that brings back memories. It liberates a decent amount of emotions over some classic pop-punk orchestrations, but also provides such a beautiful closure to this material.

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Perhaps Who We Become leans towards the contemporary pop-punk sound, but Jack And Sally include some indie, alternative and classic punk rock movements that enhance the overall listening experience. The material resembles some standard sonic maneuvers previously provided by the renowned bands, such as Descendents, Weezer, Samiam, or Farside. However, resemblances are notable only through minimal accentuations implemented somewhere beneath the thoughtfully arranged compositions. Who We Become comes housed in a pro-done cardboard sleeve, accompanied by beautiful artwork. Like anything Engineer Records published so far, this compact disc stands out with quality, presented both visually and musically. Head over to the Engineer Records web store and purchase this marvelous release.

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Maximum Volume : https://www.maximumvolumemusic.com/review-jack-and-sally-who-we-become-2019/

Jack And Sally are from London.

It’s worth starting with that because – lets make no bones about it, it doesn’t half sound like the latest US sensations.

To be totally honest, I have had “Who We Become” for a while, and it is only recently that I returned to it and realised its myriad charms.

The catalyst for the change? Well, Jimmy Eat World to be truthful. I reviewed their new one not long ago and call it happenstance or something, but “Superstar” – the lead track of these five played a day or two after.

Then I got it. It has the same clever, muscular, gritty blue collar thing that Jim Adkins and the chaps have too.

There’s something a little cinematic and disturbing about the lyrics of Ben Felix that sets this apart too. Love? Well yeah, but of the weirdest kind, as the protagonist is desperate not to lose his girlfriend.

All that is swept aside by one thing, though, and that is the very second that the solo kicks in. Because Joshua Jacobs’ guitar work has some real bollocks, proper going for it.

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The punky “Nevernia” has something of Gaslight Anthem’s early work about it, especially if you can imagine them jamming with Pkewx3 for grins. This is melody, alt rock, cleverer people than me call it, but I dunno. It chugs, and it does things the way it wants to.

Because there are aren’t many pop punk bands that do things with the dirty swagger of “Tomorrow’s Revolution”. I am back to the Jimmy Eat World comparison for this one too, because it has a real clenched fist. A true highlight, it coarses with an anger at the world, and the lyrics, in all seriousness, if not the music, have a Levellers thing going on.

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“Long Way Home” is one from a different part of the toolbox. Slower, a little singer/songwriter, a bit of Stereophonics’ arena vision, and one for which “Macy”, the closing song, is a perfect companion.

Also a mark of the “cleverness” of the record, if you like, because it very much continues the story of the opening song here.

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That is a neat metaphor for the whole album, actually because it feels like Jack And Sally are very much at the start of their journey. These five tracks benefit from repeated listening too, as they reveal more each time.

“Who We Become” is a marker of intent from a band who may well become anything they choose in time.

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Moshville Times : https://www.moshville.co.uk/feature/botd/2019/10/band-of-the-day-jack-sally/

Music in Belgium : https://www.musicinbelgium.net/reviews/jack-and-sally-who-we-become-ep/

Ringmaster : https://ringmasterreviewintroduces.wordpress.com/2019/12/12/intimacy-and-the-roar-talking-with-jack-and-sally/

The Sound Lab : https://www.thesoundlabuk.co.uk/post/jack-sally-ask-6

Sonic Shocks : https://sonicshocks.tumblr.com/post/187927247513/interview-jack-and-sally-by-matt-d​

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