Review Summary: Cap’n Jazz epitomize all the wonderful and sad facets of the freedom of youth in an incredibly reckless yet passionate way.
Analphabetapolothology couldn’t open in a more perfect fashion. From the moment the haphazard chords jangle to life, to the silly cat-themed refrain, “Little League” perfectly embodies whats so incredibly liberating about Cap’n Jazz’s sound. Every sloppy chord progression, every confidently off pitch declaration of “Hey!”, and every passionately delivered musical climax so fully epitomize the sensation of absolute freedom and the carelessness of youth.
Though many of the songs here are on the shorter side, hovering around the 2 minute range, they are not lacking in emotional impact. The lackadaisical guitar that introduces “Puddle Splashers” combined with some whimsically delivered lyrics like, “Busy touching till we’re dizzy stupid”, manage to perfectly articulate the spirit of freedom in Cap’n Jazz’s sound . The confusing, inspiring, and flat out messy trappings of youth are translated into the music flawlessly. Tracks like the aforementioned “Little League” and the silly aggressiveness of “Planet Shhh” communicate the pure uncensored feelings of youth through their energetic unrestrained approach that has become this band’s mantra.
However, it isn't only the carefree and exciting freedom of youth that Cap’n Jazz have mastered. On album highlight, “Scary Kids Scaring Kids”, the upbeat and uplifting tone dissipates and fades into something much bleaker. “You got your heart down to a science. You broke my heart down to a science.” It serves as a cold stark reminder that while the freedom of youth can be one of the greatest feelings, it also comes with its own baggage and sadness. Trying to understand others and the world around us isn't always easy and sometimes it can break us down in painful ways. A lot of the lyrics on this record can be pretty heartbreaking but it’s when “Scary Kids Scaring Kids” hits when all the depressing aspects of youth are mercilessly hammered in. The repeated lyrics are matched by a haunting and sinister bass/guitar build up that sells these sentiments exquisitely.
Not every cut here is of the same caliber, but even the tracks that don’t immediately stand out have enough raw passion in their delivery that Analphabetapolothology never loses momentum. The entire album, including some fun covers like, “Take on Me”, are preformed with such reckless abandon that its almost impossible not to smile for the entirety of the ride.
Though the album is fraught with constant out of time guitar work and pitchy vocals, Cap’n Jazz are able to transcend the binds that normally confine our standards of music and create an album that is freedom incarnate.
