Jack Berry

Jack Berry’s debut album is nothing short of a resolute and noisy mash up of blues, rock, grit and soul. Heathen Heart is sure to leave you in a state of disarray, with little money, a smoky odor and booze induced memory loss. I would expect nothing less from this hardened rocker from Reno. The weary spoken word intro to “Rooster Up” is full of blunt honesty, followed by the eruption of Berry’s distorted guitar providing some edgy fretwork that keeps it dirtier than a one star motel bed. The tune is catchy, a heavy chorus and melody makes that hook all the more appealing. “Kiss Like” plows on with a crunchy guitar line, a retrospect of classic instrumental sound from the likes of Jimmy Page or Jimi Hendrix. While most of the album is a passionately charged onslaught, “Reno” and “Substitute” shows off Berry’s ability to soften the mood while keeping up the intensity of his demeanor over the listener. Berry has a style and certain swagger that belongs to the new wave of blues rock musicians. He fits in well with the likes of The Black Keys and Jack White. Definitely keep an ear out for this man if this is a taste of things to come. The Review: 9/10