Artist: Jinx
Label: Dallas Records
Release: 2008
Rating: 3/5
Jinx are a Croatian band who won over most of Slovenia’s Yugo-nostalgics with two sold-out shows, first in the idyllic setting of Križanke, and a little while back at Cvetličarna too. Jinx were already known years ago, but then they took a long break. When they got back on stage and saw how (way too) much people had missed them, dollar signs lit up in their eyes.
Don’t get me wrong. I do respect the band, they play high-quality pop with a ton of good melodies, but I keep getting the feeling that the music is planned and made to squeeze out as much money as possible. The lyrics and the music are so light and easygoing, so harmless, that they can suit absolutely anyone, especially in the summer, since quite a few of the lyrics circle around the sea, summer and romance. There’s nothing wrong with that, but you have to be aware that Jinx are a band of light themes that sound very likeable on first listen, but it’s not healthy to dig into them too deep, because your blood sugar might spike. Their mix of disco, pop, rock, funk, country and whatever else is fun, sure, but don’t expect anything more from this music.
The most recognizable member of the crew is singer Yaya, who always ends up in the spotlight wherever Jinx go. Her voice is top-notch, yet I feel she doesn’t use her full potential and could show even more. Frontman Coco Mosquito is a very capable songwriter. His guitar skills are a bit more of a mystery, since he always seems to play pretty casually and his parts are never overly difficult, but the man has an incredible sense for catchy melodies, and that makes up for any shortcomings he might have. Personally, I think the keyboardist (well, both of them) adds a lot too. Sometimes it comes out funky, sometimes psychedelic, sometimes rock, but always spot-on. The rhythm section is also key, tying the music together and adding a touch of funk. Another important piece of the puzzle is trumpeter Pavlica, the illegitimate son of our webzine’s editor, who brings the funk/jazz vibe with his trumpet. Mirko Divić helps him out on trombone.
With Jinx I never really know when their performances and banter with the crowd are spontaneous and when it’s already a pre-planned show. Jinx are excellent pop musicians, real professionals, but at times they seem a bit cold and detached, even live. I keep feeling like it’s just business and the music is secondary. It’s all done extremely well, but they didn’t quite win me over. Even this live album sounds like it was recorded in advance, with the applause and crowd reactions added afterwards. Despite all my reservations, I still think this album is for everyone who’s going to miss Jinx live now that they’ve gone off to record a new record, and also for anyone who wants a sort of best-of. In my view, this live recording will satisfy both needs and then some.
Lineup
Yaya – vocals
Coco Mosquito – guitar, vocals
Mr Goody – keyboards
Berko – drums
Adam Matijasevic – bass
Igor Pavlica – trumpet
Guests: Mirko Divić – trombone, Gordan Tudor – synthesizers, Ivana Starčević – backing vocals
Production
Jinx
Tracklist
1. Hodam
2. Tamo Gdje Je Sve Po Mom
3. Ljeto
4. Strijele na horizontu
5. Padobran
6. Smijem se
7. Šmiramo
8. Sve se jednom mora vratiti
9. Pored mene
10. Do kraja vremena
11. Brazil
12. Na zapadu
13. Ruke
14. Na čemu si ti?
15. Bye Bye Baby Bye
