Jason is Watching You (CD)
Steve Barton
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Reviewed by Scott A. Johnson
Recorded by FirstJason
Produced by Ari Lehman
You might think you know what you’re in for. You might think that First Jason is just a novelty band fronted by the actual “First Jason,” Ari Lehman. You might think that listening to the CD would be amusing and that the songs would wear off soon. You might think these and a thousand other things based on other icons-turned-musicians. And you’d be wrong in just about every case. First Jason is not just some wannabe band. It’s the real deal, punk-metal at its finest, and damned catchy. And now, with the release of their first album, Jason is Watching, they’ve gone from a live-show-only band to one that you can throw on your iPod and jam to.
Jason is Watching You is a tight collection of eight songs, each with its own distinct flavor, but all tied together with a murderous punk rhythm and blistering solos with Lehman’s “Key-Sword,” a keyboard duct-taped to a Chinese sword and played like a guitar. And before you ask, not every song is about the legendary Mr. Voorhees. There are quite a few that, admittedly, play into Lehman’s fame as the boy who jumped out of the lake. “Jason is Watching,” for example, is obviously about the titular psycho, as is “Jason Never Dies.” But there’s more to this band than just movie references. They are, dare I say, introspective on songs like “Soul Seller” and “Power from the Pain.” And throughout the song “Machete is my Friend,” one can easily picture Lehman swinging a machete with murder in his eyes and joy in his heart.
The best songs on this album are catchy and show real musicianship with tight melodies and vicious hooks. “Red Red Red” is one of those songs that you’ll catch yourself singing to yourself at inappropriate times because you can’t get the damned thing out of your head (trust me…I speak from personal experience here). “Soul Seller” is excellent because the funk-inspired baseline is infectious, and unexpected, and the song genuinely rocks. And the impressive hooks on “Jason Never Dies!” is a testament to Lehman’s keyboard prowess.
You may have seen Lehman at conventions, but until you hear his band you don’t know him. Not just another actor with a band, Lehman is a real musician, and the music on this CD is diverse enough to prove it.
Track Listing:
1. Jason is Watching!
2. Red Red Red
3. Sink or Swim
4. You Better Run!
5. Soul Seller
6. Machete is My Friend
7. Power From the Pain
8. Jason Never Dies!
Available through CDBaby or Amazon
4 1/2 out of 5
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