In the form of weed smoke and NUGthing BUD it (nothing but it), JANK comes flowing out of the musical mind, alternatively-tuned guitar, and loud mouth of Matt Diamond from West Chester's very own Panucci's Pizza. Joining him on bass is Ruben Polo, who has had one of the most influential hands in Philly's local music scene. And hopping on the drums is Sam Becht, whose upbeat punk drumming and impressively fast, yet varied, fills make up some of the most solid drumming I've ever heard from a local band. All together, these three talented musicians (and all-around cool people) work together to create the driving, jamming, and wailing mash-up of pop, anti-pop, emo, punk, electronic, and fucking memes that is JANK.
Every single ounce of music that this up-and-coming band releases is of material that makes you want to get up and dance like you haven't in years, sing along at the top of your lungs like you're at a live show, laugh like you're not sad anymore, and love yourself and those around you like appearances or identities have never mattered, like what people think has never mattered, and like your innocence is still very much alive. Just as all of Matt Diamond's / Panucci's Pizza's previous releases, JANK's new album and first full-length, "Awkward Pop Songs", is a compilation of extremely jammy, mixed-meter, emo punk tunes with a twist of pop influence making every song an instant, catchy classic. In addition, each song is blessed with some of the most creative and hilarious song titles in the business, making you laugh each time a new track comes up on the album. This album is perfect for fans of Matt Diamond's earlier music as well as just for anyone who knows what's good for them, since this album, this band, and this music is top-notch.
So, if you're looking for some great new music with depth, drive, infectious energy, plenty of humor, and almost infinite replay value, look no further than JANK's "Awkward Pop Songs", which is available on their Bandcamp for pay-what-you-want! Beam me the FUCK up.
- Evan Cowgill