Wild Bill See, Joshua F. Smith and Savannah Wheatley are the Jackillacs. Their recently released sophomore album, Many Hats, stands on a hilltop where blues, country and garage-rock cross paths. The band promotes itself as an Americana band “from the hills of Tennessee.”
The former string band of frontman Wild Bill See is the basis of the “alter-ego” that leads the Jackillacs project. Smith is a veteran string player and accomplished artist who plays bass in the band; if you can hear the windows rattle from the back of the room, it may well be him onstage. Drummer Savannah Wheatley, added to the roster later on, is a versatile performer who helps Joshua lock down the rhythm. Together, these three write music that speaks to the heart and soul.
The Jackillacs have a sound that can float through Southern valleys with ease. Bill’s vocals are unique and delicate. The gritty, fuzzy howl of his guitar is the tool for the traditional “call and response” lyrical style. His vocal style is somewhat lazy, but very enjoyable to listen to. Imagine a cool slice of butter melting over the black pavement. Everything is right where it should be, despite subtle timing and pitch inconsistencies here and there. These imperfections are just the nature of the beast.
In certain ways, the Jackillacs lean towards modern alternative rock, which really opens up possibilities and attracts a different breed of music lover. Fans of The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr., Mumford and Sons or Dr. Dog would probably enjoy a song or two from Many Hats. The Jackillacs are a great band, but there is almost a little too much overlap in style, as certain songs on Many Hats do sound surprisingly similar to songs from a few other bands.
For fans approaching the Jackillacs for the first time, check out “Naughty Girl,” “Sad Song,” “I Wrote You a Song” or “Love Is Strange.” All of them really encapsulate what the band is all about. As much as Bill’s voice hits home in the context of the chill tempos of the Jackillacs, it might not be for everyone.
The Jackillacs have all of the traits of a classic Southern Americana band, though one drawback of Many Hats is the album’s lack of variety.
Many Hats is available now on Spotify. Try it on for size, and check out the band’s previous release: We Are the Jackillacs. For more information on the Jackillacs, visit facebook.com/thejackillacs.
