Thunderstatement [CD]

Thunderstatement is the debut release from Chicago trio THE JAI-ALAI SAVANT (pronounced hy-ly sa-vont). Fronted by vocalist/guitarist Ralph Darden, formerly of the Philadelphia band FRANKLIN, the group have spent the past year honing their skills and refining Dardens compositions in his new home of Chicago. Drawing from classic influences like THE POLICE and FUGAZI, the groups sound is rounded-out with a contemporary feel not unlike that of TV ON THE RADIO or THE ETERNALS (whose own Damon Locks provides a cameo appearance here, as well as the sleeve art). The Fader magazine recently described the band this way: THE JAI-ALAI SAVANT negotiates the textures of punk rock and dub reggaeone-drop and steppa rhythms provide the underbelly for guitar blasts and urgent-yet-melancholic vocals. THE JAI-ALAI SAVANT will be appearing at All Tomorrows Parties in the UK in December, and issuing a full-length on GSL shortly after. Slip Sleave.