Jackpot Luck featuring Gary Bonanni

Jackpot Luck featuring Gary Bonanni

BANDCAMP: https://jackpotluck.bandcamp.com/

Gary Bonanni is a singer and songwriter out with his studio album titled “JackPot Luck”. To be accurate it is more of an EP, with six tracks and extensive layering with guitar tracks, bass, drums and keyboards. It is the by-product of a decade’s work, and the sentiment that it would take “jackpot luck” to see its release to the mainstream public. Bonanni is a multi-faceted instrumentalist who has a band with his wife which they call “Just Married”.

Track one “A Clown Around Here” shows off this other worldly, trance-like riff that rises up and down. That, put together with the steady bass and drums: husky voice alternating between pleasant indie and sudden bursts of hard rock, all make for a good indie-rock song. There was something more to the song as well- on first listen, I thought I heard aggression in the vocals.
The second song “The Saddle”; well, the name says all. To those who could relate, it would have been a nostalgic setting, lyrics-wise. The song begins with a crisp, alt-rock sounding riff along with the drums and then vocals kick in, marking a considerably more country influenced style. The song strikes a balance between its catchier, extensive solo driven alternative rock side, and its country core and roots, while at the same time bringing songs from the 90s to mind. The focus is on the forlorn lyrics, which show that there were probably a few things missed out on; explaining the understandable angst reflected in the singer’s voice.

“Ugly Garden” makes you wonder… and sounds mournful. It is a strange, mellow transition. Its lyrics mimic the ethereal feel of the song, transporting the listener to a different place. The fourth track, “Head Full Of Stone” is zestier and saucier. It is the type of song that has a certain cockiness to it that starts bar fights. Throughout the song, you keep thinking that the singer might lose it and fumble but he never does. The vocals clean up well and as for the bass… they leave one weak in the knees at high volumes.
Track five, “Careless Talking” has a fleeting progressive rock feel. Unfortunately, the song leaves just a fleeting impression. I feel the artist must have packed too much into one song. However, the track felt very personal, almost like the singer was singing to himself – which adds to the EP as a whole. While the nicely timed instrumental solo may have not worked here as much as they did in the previous tracks, they still leave a footprint.

“The Feeling” brings things to a nice end. It felt like a sudden throwback to the time heavy metal was still rocking the mainstage and most of the members of 80s bands were still alive. It is an intense song, and the emotions reflected are overwhelming. The end of this EP may result in each being left with their own personal feelings about the tracks, but no one is left apathetic and untouched.

Tabby Rae