Jack of Heart - S/T (2009) [Born Bad] // Grade: A

Piero Ilov is one of those musicians who doesn’t take breaks. Always involved in the next thing—and often several things at once—Ilov has lent his talents to countless underground punk acts, most notably the Mighty Go-Go Players, The Fatals and Demon’s Claws. Ilov’s newest endeavor finds him teaming up with six friends as the frontman to garage psych act Jack of Heart

Following the release of a split 7″ with Tunnel of Love, a debut 7″ and an opening tour slot with the Black Lips, the French act have timed the release of their self-titled, full length debut album perfectly. Sounding like early Syd Barrett mixed with The La’s and topped with a heavy dose of gritty punk sensibility, Jack of Heart are equally adept at melody and noise. The album is a well-tooled crescendo, starting off slow and introspective, building up to explosive, jangly pop hooks and then folding into itself and disappearing into a wall of noise for a memorable closing.

From the slow-burning opener “Yes You Know” to the standout, upbeat sing-along “Pony Grap” to the sharp-edged guitar showcase “More”, this album is one hell of a ride through the psychedelic underbelly of France.

- Scrooge McFuck