ISSUE #4

The Ringmaster is an
extraordinary piece of work
penned by Jack Norcup, the Ep’s
produced to a beautiful high standard by
Ryan Pinson at RML studios,
Wolverhampton. Jack in a box music
sees them in several different styles all
held together by the unmistakable voice
of Norcup with band members Sam Cook
on lead guitar, George Treherne on bass
and Ben Bruce, percussion. The
Ringmaster is
fascinating,
straight from
the off ‘Bone
Fever’, a deeptoned
underpin
which works
superbly against
Norcup’s
constantly scale
moving voice.
The acoustic
guitar is clean
and bright and
holds the song
together nicely.
There’s an
essence of indie
folk outt
‘Turin Brakes’
here for me.
The Ringmaster
EP is a lush bubbly collection of tracks
laced in beautiful zealous guitar lines and
heavenly melodies blended with some
grittier elements at times that keeps the
sound refreshing and radiant. ‘Pages’ has
a bright sparkling indie pop soundscape.
Sharp guitar jingles playfully throughout
with the sweetest tone and refreshing
spurts of zest while the soft beat and
honeyed melody glide with a daydream
tempo and hazy atmosphere. It’s smooth
and soothing tune while also packing a
nice little punch between the dreamy
wisps, with a great chorus, ‘waiting on a
good life’ Norcup sings. Third track on
the EP ‘Fading Dreamer’ bursts with
oodles of catchy upbeat guitar lines while
the track bounces with a peppy beat and
lush melody soaked in a lazy day somber
tone. It’s a bopping sway like delight
packed with emotion and lush sweetness.
Smooth vocals ooze passion while
instrumentally this track places you in a
mellow state of melancholic peace once it
fully kicks in. ‘Dirty Love’ takes a
heavier approach. a cheeky bass riff start
which is dominant throughout, added
with keys, jagged guitars and punchy
drums that make a danceable quality
track with gritty texture. Snippets of
distortion give a
thrilling dramatic
effect while the
melody and
candied guitar
elements glimmer
through with
bright upbeat
scintillation and
sun kissed
luminosity. A little
more aggressive
than its
predecessors this
mosh friendly
track displays Jack
in a box heavier
rock side with
sprinkles of indie
pop embroidered
on top. ‘Masks’
closes the EP with
tender delicate
guitar ickers between acoustic strums
and sweet dainty vocals. It’s a twinkling
beautiful and emotional track that pulls
at the heart strings and places you on a
soft uffy cloud of euphoria. Cool breezy
tones, sweet lush harmonies and call and
response vocals create a oaty feathery
light approach with very subtle hints of
ower power psychedelia.
Jack in a box ‘The Ringmaster’ EP takes
you on an emotion journey whilst
showcasing their knack for sweet
delicious melodies nimble rened guitar
work and slick musicianship. It’s a laid
back beautiful EP that is perfect for
summers evenings or that all important
unwind time. We’ll look forward to
hearing more from these guys !!!