broken jack were a Reading-based progressive rock band who were present from late 2003 - summer 2006.
We split up because of differences of ambitions. We really appreciated all the support so many of you gave us when we were together - thanks so much if you ever came to see us live and/or bought our music.
Our 'Escapism' EP can still be bought via Fading Ways Records and Arkade: www.fwmusicstore.co.uk and www.arkade.com
We did many things in the few years we were together. We supported the likes of Morning Runner, Pure Reason Revolution and My Luminaries. We received several superb reviews, including some from the BBC and Channel 4; we featured in Kerrang, NME, Blah Blah Magazine, Spark and Egg Magazine, and we received airplay on BBC Radio Berkshire, Junction 11 1287am, Blast 1386am, The Derelict Sessions, Kerrang Radio and Kooba Radio.
Jonny Beale, ex-lead singer and guitarist of broken jack, has since founded the funk/soul/acid jazz band Junkyard Scientists. See: www.myspace.com/junkyardscientists for more info.
REVIEWS:
'They reel in the crowd and leave them breathless. The band's live performances are a freestyle roller coaster ride and if you've got the chance you should see them live'. Luisa Seacroft, Blah Blah Magazine
'Someone discover a new continent for Broken Jack. Playing small, local venues is like squeezing a vulture into a budgie cage. Each minute is re-wired with a different take on avant garde guitars. Monumental stuff'.
Matt Dyson, BBC Berkshire
'Although labelling themselves as an experimental rock band, the joy of the Reading outfit is just how classically powerful their racket is. When drums power up a notch, they know how to craft an explosive ending. A superb set of songs'.
Planet Sound, Channel 4
'Their rousing set oozes anthemic quality and gives some urgency to matters. There is a lingeringly dusty air about frontman Jonny's vocals and the laboured painstaking mood will appeal to melodic indie connoisseurs the world over. Shimmering guitar, backed by a rhythm section that rocks into life and showcases the band's ability to write intelligent and unpredictable songs'.
Luisa Garcia, Blah Blah Magazine
'Their music shouts, nay roars, capitals. This band have super-sized themselves into a blistering blizzard of indulgent rock. The lengthy tracks are almost as much an exercise in showing how accomplished the musicians are as they are to entertain the audience. Serpentine solos bend and contort under the skillful hand of frontman Jonny, a stadium rock performer in the making. The music is spacious and inflammatory, it's music to be silhouetted by, it's maudlin and underworldly'.
Linda Serck, BBC Berkshire
'Hard to describe them really, slightly progressive but not in the same way as Yes. Slightly atmospheric and moody but not in the same way as Radiohead. These guys have potential, they just need a hook and they will be caught like a salmon'.
Joney, Rock Idols
'broken jack have mastered a superb musicianship that belie their tender years...lads harness an immense power that they almost can't control themselves. Beneath the livewire melee you'll find a raw untarnished rock vibe bedding down with a stellar compositional talent'.
Linda Serck, BBC Berkshire
'Creative genius. Well worth a look'.
Craig Carter, Spark/Josaka
'Broken Jack blow you away with a melodic, experimental sound that is far from many other clone bands on the scene at the moment. The band use basic principles to create an atmospheric and eerie sound to capture a whole spectrum of music lovers. This band are set to go far, an unmissable talent for sure'.
Sophie Fraser, RockIndie Promotion
'A really well balanced band with a tight rhythm. Not afraid of using instruments on their own and creating Erie sections of songs. Well thought out vocals with a real hint of power. A band I foresee doing really well on the UK scene'.
Ben Walker, Oppo Music Promotion
'Very tight, strong frontman, musically excellent, different from other bands'.
Showdown Panel, University of London Union
'Broken Jack have an enormously catchy sound, a guitarist that resembles Hendrix in soul, and an amazing drummer. They also have talent. A lot of it'.
AJ, Rock Idols
'Broken Jack have a relentless drive for success. Their commitment and passion for their music is staggering and has allowed them to progress and develop over the past couple of years into a finely tuned rock machine'.
Caz Beashel, Spark
'If you have missed these guys gigging their way around the South then you have missed a treat. The treat you have missed is a high energy clash of innovative and classic rock that moves crowds and sounds damn good on their debut EP 'Escapism'.
Between Planets
'...One of Reading's bordering-on-inspirational alternative bands...culinary genius'.
Chris Howard, BBC Berkshire
