Jack Grisham and the Life Undone is a new project by Jack Grisham and Lars Triesch. Grisham is known as the frontman of TSOL and The Joykiller. He has been active for over four decades—in literature, film work, and most importantly, independent music—with more than 70 million streams and over 2,000 live shows under his belt. Grisham remains a constant figure in and beyond the American punk scene. TSOL were and are one of the finest bands to have been birthed from the 77 punk scene in the USA.

Triesch comes out of the German ’90s punk and hardcore scene, later moving into indie with his band Profession Reporter. A fella that hasn’t appeared on my radar until now.

The power of this here interweb came into play, and Jack and Lars had many a Zoom meeting working on tunes that can now be heard on this magnificent album. Firstly, there would be no point in Jack making a new TSOL record with cats from another continent. This is most definitely not a TSOL record, even if Jack’s distinct tone is front and centre. This record leans on melodies and soundscapes not often ventured into by his band. This record from the first play is one hell of an earworm as the sonic assault takes hold, pianos tinkling here, there and everywhere over subtle melodies and layered vocals with lush guitars on big backing vocals. This is a huge-sounding record that fills your heart to bursting, then explodes in colour. Take ‘These Things’ as an example. Could and should be a huge global hit. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. The album opens with ‘Pain Goes Around’, which is effectively a summer pop song with a mega hook and lush Bvs and a melody that just screams joy. Worry not, it all fits perfectly, it’s not a record that will have you recoiling in horror, just the opposite to be honest. The second track is full of boundless energy and a wicked riff, ‘Piece Of The Sun’, with a chorus to die for.

If this sounds like one of those right-place-at-the-right-time things, it is. Jack sounds happy, and this record has no weak links. The songs are all well-crafted and sound amazing. Easily one of the best records I’ve heard in ages.

After the boundless energy of the previous track, ‘John Says’ is more dreamy and laid back with such an infectious melody and vocal from Grisham.

Grisham and Lars are joined by Trevor Lucca—a guitarist known for his onstage work with Dick Dale and T.S.O.L.—and the whole project was guided by the production team of Kurt Ebelhäuser and Michel Wern.

Thirteen tracks were laid down in ten days—the bulk of the album—and additional vocal and keyboard recordings were done in Los Angeles at Kitten Robot Studios, engineered by Paul Roessler, and this is a record they should be so proud of making.

We have acoustic guitars and cellos for ‘Loser’ and the stunning ‘Angel Funeral’ where Grisham wrings every bit of emotion out of his well-worn voice. The flip side is the full tilt rocker of ‘Lazing In The Bed All Day’, which is more familiar territory and a full-bloodied riff, but it’s the night and day as the record seemlessly shifts from light to shade where the magic lies.

‘Black Ties’ has a Bowie feel to proceedings with the distressed snare roll and lush strings, showing a wonderful, darker side. This is a record that needs to be listened to with a clear head and given undivided attention to fully appreciate how fuckin good it is. ‘Phone Call’ sounds menacing and dark, with the strings and soft acoustic guitar, with Grisham almost whispering into the speakers. Then the record finishes off with the broad acoustic chords of ‘Darker Side Of Nowhere’. This record won’t be for everyone, but I instantly got drawn in and can’t get enough of it. Being a big fan of Graham’s work with TSOL, Joykillers, Tender Fury, and Manic Low, the guy has never put a musical foot wrong in my eyes or ears. It’s great to hear him spread his wings and deliver a different flavour of alternative rock n roll and do it so well on what I can only describe as a magnificent album packed with magnificent tunes, and every play drags out a different reaction to the previous play. Get this album in your ear and let it take hold. You’ll be delighted you listened. Buy it!

Buy here at some point

Author: Dom Daley