LA-based duo Joker’s Hand (JH) are mad, and for good reason. Everything kinda sucks right now in general (I don’t think I need to elaborate on that much further)… But one of the greatest outlets for releasing said emotions is music, and JH have honed in their catharsis with edgy, alt-punk flavor. Their latest release is the six-song Pride Before The Panic, full of pointed commentary and systemic unrest in an aggressive but catchy package.
The album starts out with “Consequence,” where JH flex a little bit of studio magic. Playing with cinematic sounds, auto tune, and ambient whale song drones, this particular track shows just how many tricks JH have up their sleeves. It’s an apt preview for an exciting EP full of polished twists and turns. That flows into song two, “Highly Functioning Mind,” which is, ironically, the most straightforward rock n roller on the EP. “Highly Functioning Mind” gets my vote for album favorite for its easily digestible structure and delicious hard rock energy.
One of the strongest moments on Pride Before The Panic is song three, “Break The Simulation.” It’s here that you start to realize just how much genre-blending JH packs into each of their songs. The song opens with a Linkin Park-esque nu-metal verse before launching into a powerful vocal belt reminiscent of Pierce the Veil or the more melodic moments from Every Time I Die. The chorus adds yet another dynamic shift, crunching in a gigantic gang-vocal shout/scream to truly take the energy over the top. JH’s ability to craft hard and heavy music while still remaining upbeat and, dare I say it, catchy, is an absolute asset – as adrenaline-inducing as these songs are, they also inspire feelings of fun with their chugging chords and big, ebullient guitar parts.
Track four, “Peace Of Mind” has Rage Against the Machine written all over it, with an onslaught of vocal-forward aggression in both the intro and the chorus. The vocals on this EP are saucy for sure, but JH also has excellent tonality and range, making these songs a treat to listen to. Same goes for track five, “Apparition,” with its smart, syncopated rhythms and mile-a-minute tempo, truly rivaling “Highly Functioning Mind” for my personal favorite EP moment.
The album closes with the kiss-off “IDFWU” (we’ll let you guess what that stands for). I was originally expecting a cover of the seminal 2015 Big Sean hit of the same name (hint hint guys), but in all seriousness, JH manages to end Pride Before The Panic as fun as it begins. Of particular note in this one is the gritty bass tone that permeates the verse – it’s a fun limelight for the instrument and helps give the song movement as it cascades through its multitude of emotions.
Pride Before The Panic is out now.