JShell kept his promise. He said he’ll have a kick-ass track ready for us to vibe to, and he was right. He broke the indie music game with his cool rock track, Haunted. Now, imagine that impact times 10. This is his full length album, In My Head. Let’s see the surprises he’s packed for us in this one.

Here’s something you should know about JShell. He’s a multi-instrumentalist, so what you hear might never be replicated in this style. This becomes immediately evident with his opening track, Crawl. The leading drums have a pounding rhythm that you instantly latch on to. A great rock core, the beat takes you on a journey. He likes to experiment with the time signature, changing the attack and styles. You See Me may have a Velvet Underground touch, but his cinnamon spice is retained as well. There is an easygoing air about the song, and all the instruments dance in tandem.

Owing to the same synapse composing all this, there are a lot of alt-rock moments as well. Big Apple Boogie is another pocket of experimentation. It has a Deep Purple style execution, Jon Lord styled synth leads opening the track. The instrumental has all the energy coming from this throne claiming powerhouse. JShell is adamant in giving you a wholesome experience.

Through this school of rock

Chain of Events has a resonating soul that reverberates with new life. It changes the rock style for something within a prog-rock exhibit. The tonal competitiveness is fun to listen to, and the unpredictable turns JShell takes. We then come to his hit single, Haunted. Known for the kind of kick it has and superb funky spine. It is a perfect middle line track, something that refreshes your listening soul.

You hear Peter Frampton influences, however JShell pushes for an experience that furthers that. Some transitions could have used a bit more vocal polishing, but the instrumentals steal the show either way. You Do You might be an uber Dylan styled track. It has a piano riff as the swinging core. The collaboration with Steve Hackett also allows for a uniquely carved track with its own chasing personality.

Don’t Ask Why goes back to old school rock roots. The riff has an essence like UFO, but JShell never wants you to hear something you already have. There are plenty of innovations in his tone and intent of creating an album like this. Delusions is another favourite of mine. It has a Bryan Adams style execution. You can almost hear the whole stadium singing this with him. Thursday changes and rests on this kind of tone, while That’s the Key is a triumphant reggae flavour to this album. It has great layers and parts, moving in tandem like a clock. You hear the title track, and you hear the chaos and instrumental genius come together. 

A memorable performance by JShell

As we reach a ballad like tone, you realize you might be in for a Yes styled escapade. My Last Request changes the texture to make a genuinely interesting album with a dream behind it. This artist wanted to create a first kick-ass album that had so many names and themes, you were like a kid at an amusement park. Mission accomplished sir. This one deserves its own biography on JShell’s exciting life.