The Technical Jed

(Spin Art)
by Joshua Brown

This debut from The Technical Jed is actually a collection of obscure singles and compilation tracks. I enjoy it more every time I put it on. Brooding with surface tension, I keep expecting the music to explode or implode, but it never happens because these guys are tight as all hell. “Black 60” uses a swirling, sexual wall-of-sound guitar groove that will please fans of the gothier side of My Bloody Valentine. “Gina (fix yourself a drink)” is a slow, waltzing number with a weeping saxophone and sensitive lyrics (“Gina’s in the shower/fogging up the mirror/Playing with her nipple/Wish I were a towel).”

The ages of the Technical Jed’s four members span from 25 to 36, and their maturity shows in the paradox that their music holds. Their attitude is skewed yet coherent, and their sound is powerful but understated and somewhat distant. Oh yeah, and I think I’m supposed to mention that David Lowery of Cracker had something to do with this release, for whatever that’s worth.