Two months after releasing their first single of 2023, The Jackets are promptly set to release their latest single and second partnership with Chaputa! Records, with the 7” release of Life’s Not Like The Movies.
With the A-side’s title track, The Jackets continue their melodic form of mid and up-tempo ‘60s proto-garage-inspired songwriting with frontwoman Jack Torera’s reverb-soaked guitar and otherworldly vocals engaging the listener as if they’re consciously floating through a dream. “Life’s Not Like The Movies” is one of the band’s rare lengthy tracks and starts with an echoing surf guitar lead over a garage beat build-out before expanding into a full-on wall-of-sound chorus and bridge section reminiscent of the AM radio, echo chamber production aesthetic heard on The Ramones End of The Century. The recording is clear enough to highlight each member’s contributions, with bassist Sam Schmidiger’s looping basslines adding extra dynamics alongside Torera’s rhythmic groove and drummer Chris Rosales keeping a tight leash on the timing as he alternates tempos throughout. Returning to the term “engagement,” this is an accurate word to describe the feel of the title track. “Life’s Not Like The Movies” showcases the band’s ability to write subtle verses with Torera’s introspective lyrics drawing listeners in and ensnaring their attention with a strong chorus and bridge that’s memorable without being overpowering.
Another cross-continental effort, Life’s Not Like The Movies, was recorded in Bern, Switzerland, by Sebastian Zwahlen at Shirt-Off Studios and mixed/mastered by notable Detroit engineer Jim Diamond. Artwork stems from Mathieu Desjardins of Méconium éditions.
Life’s Not Like The Movies will be available digitally and on limited yellow and black vinyl on May 26th, with pre-orders running through Chaputa! Records. Tracklisting includes Side A: “Life’s Not Like The Movies” and Side B: “Attracted.” Confirmed European tour dates for The Jackets include the following.
June 16th: Bone Fest! (Amsterdam, NL)
June 30th: Espina Fest (León, ES) w/The Maharajas, Kate Clover, and more.
June 28th-July 1st: Spain Tour TBA
July 7th: Technikum (Winterthur, CH)
July 8th: Murrayfield Pub Festival (Chiasso, CH)
August 6th: Celebration Days Festival (Clermont, FR)
September 2nd: Gravepit Open Air (Schüpfen BE, CH)
September 9th: Berlin Beat Invasion (Berlin, DE) w/Los Peyotes
Keep updated on the latest news from The Jackets through their official website and what other releases Chaputa! Records are planned this year through their webshop. Chaputa! will have special announcements throughout the year as 2023 marks the Portuguese label’s ten-year anniversary in business.
