Debut album from Evil Jake

Born in New York City and raised on overdriven guitar amps, underdog grit and the pure energy of rock and roll, Evil Jake is a band built around the notion that rock should still move people. Fronted by guitarist and songwriter Mike Jacobs, the group combines big hooks, finger-picked guitar fire and engaging storytelling with lively musicianship. With David Leatherwood on bass and Grammy-winning drummer Rich Kulsar behind the kit, Evil Jake has the chemistry and muscle of a genuine power trio.

Leading the group, Mike is a virtuoso guitarist whose playing gives the band much of its identity. Evil Jake lands a space somewhere between the attitude of early Foo Fighters, the musicianship of The Police and the melodic flair of Elvis Costello or Cheap Trick and it’s this combination that allows the band to be at once technically assured and accessible, with crunchy guitars, driving rhythms, bright melodies and lyrics that avoid being overly serious.

During their decorated career, the band has earned national airplay and MTV placements, while its songs have appeared in The Real World, Queer Eye and School of Rock. Their story has also taken them onto USO tours and stages on both sides of the Atlantic, building an audience through a direct connection with fans that’s always been central to guitar music.

Produced by Adam Lasus and featuring guest vocals from Sam Endicott of The Bravery and Patti Rothberg, their debut record titled Be My Ex-Girlfriend helped put the band firmly on the map. Released in 2003, the album brought Evil Jake’s hook-focused approach to a wider audience, earning national airplay and exposure everywhere from MTV to Sports Illustrated. Along the way, the band has also played alongside the likes of The Strokes, The Bravery and The Charlie Daniels Band, among many others.

Be My Ex-Girlfriend is not just a showcase for the band’s pedigree however, the album captures exactly what makes Evil Jake’s music work; power pop, alternative rock and classic American songwriting thrown together with humour, honesty and an unapologetically loud attitude. The songs are built to stick, whether that means a chorus arriving at exactly the right moment or a guitar line that demands to be turned up. Kicked off by “Use Me,” the album starts with a delicate blend of expressive vocals and twanging guitar tones which drift in a lilting rhythmic sway before launching into a driving slice of pop-focused rock music cut with instantly catchy melodies and epic lead guitar work.

“She’s So Lonely” launches into an uptempo pop punk scene where driving drums propel bouncy guitar and memorable vocal lines, serving up an energising jam that’s melodic and delightfully scrappy throughout. With “Falling Man,” the swell of pulsing bass, steady drums and lightly gritty guitars underpin Mike’s compelling vocals as he spins smooth leads above, crafting a superb rock outing that’s moving and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Other highlights like “Say You Love Me” lean into the band’s more tender side with an intimate jam of emotive vocals and intricate instrumentation, offering a reflective moment on the album. The title track, “Be My Ex-Girlfriend,” is a perfect expression of their tongue-in-cheek charm, with its unforgettable chorus capturing the band’s knack for taking a playful premise and turning it into enthralling sound. Bouncy rhythms and country-tinged slide guitar collides with the band’s charging punk pop stylings to deliver an infectious anthem that’s impossible not to love.

“Everything You’d Never Wanna Be” swells with lively guitar notes and surging percussion before launching into a driving scene that shifts with bursts of half-time rhythms while backing vocalisations underpin Mike’s commanding leads to serve up a raucous musical experience packed full of twists and turns. Closing the record with “Smile,” the patter of drums and jangly guitar tones combine to form a gentle soundscape capped by soft vocals to conclude the release with a stunning finale. From start to finish, Be My Ex-Girlfriend ultimately stands as a celebration of catchy rock music with slick lyrics, big guitars and enough wit to keep everything moving.

Listen to Be My Ex-Girlfriend below