The 4 track ‘No Home’ EP is the debut release from Jigsaw Man, the moniker under which singer-songwriter Steven Faulkner is releasing original material. “It’s nice doing things under a pseudonym because you can be more personal about the lyrics, and because you have that separation,” said Faulkner, continuing: “In my head the lyrics belong to Jigsaw Man, so I can be more honest and personal. I can write far more honestly and I’ve certainly done that on this EP. In the past I’ve always looked for metaphor or simile but this EP is very honest.” Playing since he was a child, Faulkner – a full-time musician – is a regular on the East Midlands gig circuit. The self-produced EP with strong stoner overtones marks a chance to explore different playing and recording techniques as well as new directions for his sound.
Unfashionable as it may seem, there are still plenty of people interested in shit-kicking stoner rock songs that sound as good in an arena as they do on a bar jukebox, and Jigsaw Man has all the ability to scratch that particular itch on the opening track “Gathering Dust”. However it quickly becomes apparent that Faulkner’s songwriting exists in a space between two poles.
There are unearthly heavy head-shaking influences that come all the way from the likes of Zeppelin to QOTSA on one side, and mind-twisting cool-guy creatives like Beck on the other. Part of Jigsaw Man’s charm comes from a refusal to ever fully commit to either, and he tends towards both on this EP.
“Out West” cuts hard toward the latter end of the spectrum. But it’s “1000 Apologies” that intrigues me most. “Took all the time to realize why, we all left a place fallen from grace,” Faulkner sings in the first line, and those words are probably enough to conjure the mindset we’re working in here.
The real surprise though, comes from the final track, “My Dungarees”, which sounds like some southern-fried, barnyard rock n’ roll stomper. It’s a completely different kettle of fish compared to the other song – hell it doesn’t even sound like Faulkner singing – and depending on your personal tastes you will either love or hate it.
As explained by the artist himself ‘No Home’ is an intensely personal record. I just can’t figure out how his Dungarees fit into that equation! Well actually it does, but not as comfortably as the musical scenario of tracks like “Gathering Dust” or “1000 Apologies”, which to my mind, represents Jigsaw Man’s inherent talents so much better.
All throughout the recording, Jigsaw Man’s tasty guitar work and vocals definitely add something special to each track. Though the mood can turn a bit melancholy at times, there’s no denying the passion in creation put toward this EP by Steven Faulkner.
‘No Home’ comes off as a timeless piece of music that would retain relevance in any era, as Jigsaw Man never ties himself to any one pole within his musical spectrum. The debut EP “No Home” by Jigsaw Man is released on July 7th via Spotify & iTunes!
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