Los Angeles-based act Jangus Kangus compel with a hooky, momentum-filled rock appeal on new album Fortune Cookie. Lead songwriter Jasmine Sankaran shows an eclectic tonal range — from the country-laden twangs of “You Only Love Me When” to the nostalgic starry-eyed appeal of “Goldilocks.” The impressive band is also propelled by the talents of Steph Anderson (keys/backing vocals), Antonio White (lead guitar/backing vocals), Dan Perdomo (drums), and Ryan Kellis (bass).
A caressingly melodic charm shows right away on “You Only Love Me When,” emitting a jangly pop charm amidst lyrical “I just wanna make you mine,” yearning. Depictions of complex relationships — where moments of adoration seem to come largely when under the influence of substances — stir within a range of mellow guitars and bouncy keys. “I guess it’s over,” lamenting vocals conclude, sending chills. “Double Lives” comes next, appealing in its debonair guitar twangs — especially gripping past a title-touting refrain with its moody traversal into a brighter “in your arms again,” sense of emotional catharsis. “We hide from real life here in our little room,” Sankaran’s vocals let out, again capturing a sense of desire to re-connect.
Another success, “Janakita Kirakita” moves from an initial Indian inspiration into a buzzing rock ardency; the initial vocal procession is intertwined seamlessly throughout within the invigorating guitar work, reminding fondly of Japanese Breakfast in its tonal ferocity there. The track is a display of the project’s simultaneous grasp of worldly pop and fuzzy rock heights. The ensuing “Goldilocks” further emphasizes the dynamic productions within. Glistening guitars invoke a Lynchian cinematic spell in its jangly layers. “Call me Goldilocks,” the vocals exude, then evolving seamlessly into a heavier rock pulse as the “don’t resuscitate my heart,” cautions emerge. Full of quality, catchy productions, Fortune Cookie is an immersive success from Jangus Kangus.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
