"Womanchild"/"Underachiever" is the The Jacklights' third release on Red On Red Records following a single and an EP last year. Like the previous two, this one takes me back to the '90s heyday of melodic punk rock in an entirely good way. Singer/guitarist Nilagia McCoy, bassist Mike Allen, and drummer gK Hynes execute this musical style exceptionally well — reminding us why we loved this kind of music in the first place but never settling for nostalgic re-creation. The band's music is full of driving energy, intoxicating melodies, and vocals & lyrics that are packed with emotion and deep thought. McCoy as a songwriter has a tremendous talent for articulating her personal story in a way that's relatable to everyone. "Womanchild"/"Underachiever" is a perfect example of that. These songs have been presented as a pair because they are two sides of the same coin. The former is about the time in young adulthood when you think you know everything but lack the self-awareness to recognize your own immaturity. The latter is from the older, wiser perspective: you realize you'll never know everything and learn to accept yourself in spite of your shortcomings. This is deeply profound stuff, and I'm blown away by how McCoy finds the perfect words for thoughts that are familiar to so many of us. Given that I daily ponder my lack of knowledge about life, the world, and even music while cringing at my past youthful hubris, these two songs are really connecting with me. A line like "I don't know if I'll ever be/Who I'm supposed to be" is so simple yet so powerful. Who can't relate to that? We all make these grand plans for life, and it never quite turns out the way we draw it up. Perhaps we don't live up to what others expect of us. Realizing that we don't have to is true wisdom.
I love the idea that "mature punk rock" is by no means a contradiction in terms, and The Jacklights have proven this concept time and time again. "Womanchild"/"Underachiever" is the trio's most impressive work to date. If you like your music meaningful and full of heart, you need this band in your life.
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