JUST JACK – OVERTONES (2007)Before you go blaming Mike Skinner and his success with The Streets as the reason for the sudden influx of cockney white boy indie rappers, like Plan B and Jamie T, remember that Jack Allsopp (alias Just Jack) has a five year vintage, and released his debut LP “The Outer Marker” back in 2002. Of course nobody heard it, but, partly due to the Skinner effect, and the current trend for indie/urban dance cross over music, there is a genuine market for regionally accented rap. This may well be temporary, for after all, how many white British rappers have made an indelible mark on the legacy of popular music? Whilst you’re working on that poser (and I’m not accepting Gary Clail), “Overtones” unashamedly reaches for the Pop market. Its honed Soul and Funk gloss is a world away from the North London he hails from, and bears more of a musical resemblance to the boy bands’ of the early 90’s such as East 17 with a further nod to Jamiroquai. It’s neither original nor wholly appealing over its full length, as there seems a palpable inevitability to the tried and trusted Disco beats and measured Funk basslines. That said, there are moments that show that Allsopp has potential as a wordsmith, and just occasionally, the ability to marry the lyrics and melodies to create something that belies the mundane nature of the vast majority of the album.The UK number 2 hit single “Starz In Their Eyes”, is the highlight, and positive proof that Allsopp has the ability to blend witty, realistic lines with the most delicious dance friendly tunes. It's a swipe at the selfish, hard hearted creators of the Pop Idol/X Factor ‘entertainment’ show, and represents a well held view amongst the majority, that this type of TV has an incredibly crushing emotional aspect for those whose aspirations are tossed away so glibly. Allsopp’s monotone laments “And when you're tripping over your dreams, they’ll keep you down by any means, and by the end of the night you'll be stifling your screams”. “Writers Block” half explains the five year gap between releases and the artist’s struggle with lethargy, all played over a snappy bass hook, and the sweeping Harp strings of Heatwave’s “Boogie Nights”. The slow, easy going Soul of “Life Stories” hides vehement comment on social misfits,( “And all the bastards looking for change in the station, Every money grabbing musical collaboration, And every last member of the X generation, Addicted to the Internet drugs and masturbation”). Too often though, Allsopp slips into lazy rhymes and hackneyed Funk doodling, prime example of which is the forthcoming single “Glory Days”, which sounds too much a chart endeavour, the brass embellishment and childish whistles are just too light to appeal. In addition, when Allsopp sings, his voice is found wanting, and the strain particularly blemishes “Lost” and “I Talk Too Much”. “Overtones” strength is Just Jack’s rhymes, which are infrequently memorable, and when the rhymes don’t draw your attention the songs become tame and listless.In the 2 page encyclopedia of white Brit/Hop artists, Just Jack’s ‘Overtones” album will be remembered as a collection of mildly marketable clichés of our time, nothing more.6/10"Starz In Their Eyes"