The unfortunate closure of the record label – The Richter Collective appears to have shone a light on many of their former acts. And So I Watch You From Afar, Enemies and Adebisi Shank have all received deserved praise of late from both critics and fans alike. It would now appear that it is the turn of Jogging to bask in this limelight. Minutes as a debut album set the bar quite high for any follow up Jogging record. Now two years on and no doubt hundreds of sweaty rehearsals later, Take Courage is the album charged with just that task. The time and effort in between records has certainly served Jogging well as a group. Every member gels together in sync to create an energy driven ten track record that flies by at a blistering pace.
Opening track Deadweight exhibits perfectly how bassist Ronan Jacksons roaring vocals are contrasted with the higher pitched interludes from guitarist Darren Craig. Mixed with hard-hitting rolling drums, a great guitar riff and pounding bass sets the album off at a frenzied speed. This continues with Horse sense and Skeletons inc. which both scream nineties punk influenced guitar distortion. The furious mix of hardcore melodies here blast out with angry and disaffected lyrics. Skeletons inc. shows the true ability that this set of musicians has; it’s as though they are constantly trying to surpass each other, driving each member on further.
Every Bristle a Bayonet shows that Jogging don’t have to blast at full throttle with every song to achieve the same effect. It also acts a good mid-album interlude to the high tempo either side of this album divider. This record at times seems like it’s on the edge of boiling over into a sea of white noise, but remains consistently controlled throughout. The to and fro of the lead singer role is a welcome advancement from Minutes and creates a much more dynamic aspect to the band. Damage Control shows just how adept at taking the reins both Jackson and Craig are. The rage exuded here is what makes the album such a personalised affair from Jogging.
This punk and post-hardcore influenced three-piece have set out with a clear image for an album, and then managed to deliver it, a rare thing in music. Every instrument and group member is pushed to their full capacity at all times throughout. Simply put, this album is a rip-roar affair and nothing short of awesome. In what has been a very positive year for Irish music, Take Courage will undoubtedly rank up there with some of 2012’s best.
Jogging will perform next in the Twisted Pepper on the 8th of September and judging by the album launch gig it’s certainly one not to be missed. Take Courage is available via their bandcamp.