Today marks the start of a new feature we’re going to try here at Tympanogram.  We lauded praise on Amie Street earlier in the week, so we decided that we’re going to dive into their collection headlong, finding albums, EPs and singles that we believe are worth your time and money.  We’re already spending an inordinate amount of time on the site, but now we can tell our significant others that it’s for research.

We’re going to limit the price of the album (when we review it) to $3 or less, and we’re going to give you the opportunity to win the music we’re talking about as well.  We won’t be posting any mp3s, because we want to support both the band and the site as much as possible, but we will stream a couple tracks for you.  So, if you like the music, please go and support the week’s band and Amie Street by purchasing it.

With that said, this morning, we’re talking about the Bridges and Tunnels EP from The Static Jacks:

I’ve been wondering lately about my inability to maintain zeal over the years, and I imagine that this holds true for most people.  Moods change, fervor lessens, attitudes merge and ebb and are influenced by competing sources.  I’m certain that eighteen-year-old Andy would be surprised to learn of all the things I once held dear that are barely a passing concern now.  I’m somewhere along my “long journey to the middle.”

But now and again I still catch sparks, that excitement in other people, and that makes me happy.  The Static Jacks give me that feeling.  They’re garage rock at it’s finest – all lo-fi, handclaps, and testosterone.  And it makes me happy that 18-year-old guys haven’t changed all that much in the intervening years since I was 18; there’s always a girl to be passionate about.  There’s always an issue that needs promoting, from vegetarianism to animal shelters, from going green to hybrid vehicles.

The band’s talent has already allowed them to share the stage with Tympanogram favorites Youth Group and Tokyo Police Club, and their follow-up EP is slated for the fall, to be produced by Andrew Maury, who has worked with TPC and Ra Ra Riot, and who runs the RAC (Remix Artists Collective.)  That’s high company for a band with just 2 four-song EPs to their credit.  I’ll be looking forward to hearing that when it’s released.

The quintet has a very short summer tour lined up, with just four dates in CT, DC, MA and PA.  If you’re around the Northern East Coast, check their site or their MySpace for the details of where and when they’re playing.

Stream two of the songs below, purchase the whole thing over at Amie Street, and/or leave a comment for your chance to win a copy for yourself from us.  To win the EP, tell us about the cause most dear to your heart right now, along with your e-mail address.  (You should also sign yourself up for an account at Amie Street.)  It’s that simple.  We’ll pick our favorite and send you the goods.  Make us laugh, inspire us with your passion, whatever.  Good luck!

The Static Jacks – Stay a Lover from Bridges and Tunnels EP

The Static Jacks – Resistance/Self-Control from Bridges and Tunnels EP

The Static Jacks – Fire on the Bridge and the Tunnel Below (RAC Maury Mix) (mp3)

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