Review by Rachel Jablonski
I currently work for a company that is “recognized as a world-class provider of aviation and information technology for government, the world’s aircraft manufacturers, and more than 400 airline customers.” Focused on the functionality of airplanes, it is no wonder I was asked to attend a course on the Fundamentals of Avionics quite recently. It was in this class that I was exposed to the axiom: “When creating flight critical or essential aircraft systems; it is far more important to develop the way the system fails, than it is to invent the way the system works.” Though this seems somewhat backwards on the surface, really it is the most effective outlook to take in order to ensure passenger safety and prevent equipment malfunctions – something like a jet motor crash for instance. But outside of class I have learned that jet motor crash does not necessarily constitute failure and in fact may be well regarded – at least in one circumstance.
Like a commercial airplane filled to capacity, L.A.’s Jet Motor Crash is invading Personal Space with their sophomore release. The five-piece band utilizes musical diversity – drawing from punk, rock, and metal influences – to create an intimate array of radio friendly songs. From solid rock moments to punk-sounding vocals to lulling guitars and with a great cover of Loverboy’s “Working for the Weekend,” the high energy of Personal Space can’t help but deliver positive impulses to the listener.
The defining feature on the album is the amount of harmony contained in each song. This effect gives off the upbeat feel that creates such a radio friendly album. The sound has a flavor of the current pop/punk trend with high pitched harmonies, but there are redeeming solid rock elements as well. These dual styles exemplify the band’s ability to effectively combine musical methods.
With great guitar work – heavy on “Made It,” soft and pretty on “Madison” – appropriate beats, and bright vocals Jet Motor Crash have proved the Fundamentals of Avionics wrong by inventing the way their musical system works instead of developing the way the system fails.