Jovi Skyler is a Sydney-based vegetarian punk-rock singer-songwriter and DIY music video maker. His sophomore album, Unpopular, was released in late September.
The album opens with Dead Rockstars, which also served as its lead single. From the very first notes, it becomes clear that this is going to be a raw, energy-fueled record. The opening riff sounds like it could have been lifted straight from Nirvana’s Bleach or Incesticide, which is hardly surprising given that the album was mastered by grunge godfather Jack Endino. Dead Rockstars thrives on simplicity, rawness, and that irresistible grunge catchiness, while also delivering a strong message, as Skyler explains: “Dead Rockstars is about the end of authenticity, the dopamine machine, the overwhelming overload and rehash of society itself, and the copy and paste of the individual.”
The second track, Hermit, slows things down a little, but its real strength lies in the way it shifts between different sections. The chorus only briefly comes into view before giving way to an enticing bass fill, followed by a build-up that is often abruptly cut short. These constant changes make the song incredibly fun to listen to, with an undeniable ’90s appeal.
Outcast, the third track, sticks to the album’s punk-infused grunge energy, driven by a fast, punchy, aggressive riff and an angry melody. At 0:43, however, the song shifts into a much more sensitive and melodic passage, bringing to mind bands like the Smashing Pumpkins. The raw riff soon returns, followed by the chorus, and this back-and-forth between contrasting moods works remarkably well.
Breakdown catches the ear with its Nirvana-esque opening riff, particularly reminiscent of the Bleach-era track Negative Creep. The vocals, however, lean more toward the heavier, throaty delivery associated with bands like Soundgarden and Mudhoney.
The first half of the album closes with Lazy Daze, one of its most energetic tracks, thanks in no small part to its breakneck, punk-rock pace. Despite its straightforward punk foundation, the song moves rapidly between sections, keeping you on your toes throughout. One of my favorite moments comes at 1:05, when some of the guitars drop out, leaving just the bass and vocals. It is a simple change, but one that makes the song all the more compelling.
Edie Sedgwick, named after the model and Andy Warhol associate who died prematurely, is perhaps the album’s most psychedelic moment. Its verses evoke Jefferson Airplane, with an almost dreamlike quality that also brings to mind the imagery of Alice in Wonderland. Shame explores a similar territory, albeit with a slight Velvet Underground vibe.
With Anarchy in the Cellophane, Skyler moves into more overtly pop-oriented territory, and I have to say that his more melodic side suits him particularly well. The song may lack the abrasive edge of his more frantic, chaotic punk material, but its sun-drenched, catchy chorus is immediately memorable and practically begs to be sung along to.
Get Around brings us back to the album’s grungier opening stretch, with an instrumental sound that recalls L7. It is a fantastic punk-rock blast that feels like it would be even more effective in a live setting. The album then closes with Night Time Is My Time, a track with an almost Black Sabbath-esque vibe. This heavier, darker side of Skyler’s sound appeals to me just as much as his more energetic material.
Ultimately, Unpopular works best when Skyler embraces the contrast between unfiltered punk aggression, ’90s grunge hooks, and unexpected melodic or psychedelic detours. The album has plenty of rough edges, but that is precisely where much of its charm lies. Skyler keeps things unpredictable, making Unpopular an engaging tribute to the raw, restless spirit of alternative rock.
This review was made possible by SubmitHub
Leave a Reply