Jeffrey Novak's One Man Band--To Hell in A Handbasket & Jungle Beat Stomp
Sonic Assault (Hit Or Miss) 2004
Rock n' roll in itself is an artform, but playing it as a one man band takes that to a whole different level. Anyone who has ever had the privilege of witnessing it in the flesh will tell you the sight of Hasil Adkins onstage playing drums, vocalizing, and assaulting a guitar all at once not only defies the laws of physics but redefines true greatness. In recent times, many have taken a page from the ole hunchin' Haze, such as King Louie, and started to carry on the one man band tradition. Add Jeffrey Novak to that elite fraternity. On these two self-released CDrs, To Hell In A Handbasket and Jungle Beat Stomp, this young man manages to not only entrench himself near the top of the one man band racket but unleash two very essential slabs of glorious rock n' roll brutality.
To Hell In A Handbasket was the first released of these two discs and it is easily the sickest of the pair. Sonically speaking, the best modern comparison would probably be the red level shattering harshness of Guitar Wolf but the more apt would be Jerry McCain's living room demos from the 50's. This lo-fi distorted blast is extremely cymbal heavy and perfectly so. Jeffrey reels off killer song after killer song, from the Oblivians-esque chickin' pickin' of "Jungle Beat" to the damaged rumble of "Cut Me Loose," like a backwoods buzzsaw. Novak also manages to provide ample proof that he has cultivated all the right influences, both in his reverent cover of 68 Comeback's "Chantilly Rocks (& A Pony's Tail)" as well as through his references to Back From The Grave faves the Rats on his original "She's A Rat." From front to back, To Hell In A Handbasket is one of the most raw-assed examples of garage rock n' roll in many years.
Jeffrey's follow-up release Jungle Beat Stomp continues on with even more jaw dropping quality than before. This album is slightly cleaner sounding than To Hell In A Handbasket--and I mean slightly. That's a good thing any way you look at it, though--this is still high grade rock n' roll steel wool but the increased sonic clarity makes it easier to appreciate the depth of what this guy is doing musically. "Never Good Enough" delivers more of that Oblivians slant we all live for but Novak is just as capable with the laid back cool of "Pine Box Rock" and "One Trick Pony." "I Don't Take Much," on the other hand, is a hellafied Diddley styled stomper sure to have a head bob going in any audience. All this said, the real gem of Jungle Beat Stomp is "She Rides A Rockin' Horse." Here, Jeffrey manages to conjure up a nice dark vibe that doesn't show up anywhere else in these two albums. All told, another grand slam.
Hasil may still be the king of one man bands but Jeffrey Novak seems to be sitting just outside the throne room waiting for the day he decides to finally step down. Note, there is a King Louie like quality to Jeffrey's voice but this stuff isn't carbon copied by a long shot. For fans of any the aforementioned acts, one man bands in general, or lo-fi goon squads such as the Mummies and Supercharger, To Hell In A Handbasket and Jungle Beat Stomp will prove must haves. You can't deny greatness and this kid has managed two instant classics as an introduction. Incredible. Get these now so you can say you were there first when this guy rules the world.
NOTE: There is a Japanese CDr edition of Jungle Beat Stomp available on Heart Of Chrome Records that features three bonus tracks not available on the original version--two instros, "Working Blues" and "Get In The Car," plus a cover of Bo Diddley's "Roadrunner." Either version is worth your time, but if you can get the extra cuts, definitely go for it. As a limited edition of 60, you best jump on that HOC version fast if you can't live without it. Heads up.
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