Armed with baked beans, a bottle of champagne, and a newly learned bass guitar, Jovi Skyler is a true DIY alt-punk artist, and today — April 5th — he released his new EP, Call It A Day.
The Sydney, Australia, punk rock songwriter has crafted his sound around experiences ranging from the Conservatorium of Music to unplugged European cafes. Skyler’s consistent search for inspiration has shaped his creative fervor, inevitably leading to Call It A Day.
The first track off the EP, “Asshole” is a grungy callout to 90’s angst, with the chorus line, “I’m the asshole” sticking in the listener’s brain. The track has intentional breaks before the pre-chorus, leading way to a heavy and head-banging guitar build. It’s a song that allows the listener to lay it all out on the table, producing a DIY-vibe that’s all too real and delightfully unpolished.
The following track, “Lil Bo Weep,” is a clever title and song about heartache and wasting away. The layered metal guitar perfectly fits this songwriter’s story. Skyler’s punk vocals tell tales not only through his lyricism, but also through his vocal dynamics. The bridge allows his voice to rise and fall with his frustration naturally, matching his authentic storytelling and creating an untethered sound.
“Frankenstein,” the third track on the EP, features acoustic guitar and a more stripped instrumental, allowing Skyler’s voice to reach peak vulnerability and sincerity. “Thought I was having a nightmare / Turned out to be true,” he sings in anguish. The track’s sound is much more psychedelic, while still holding on to its punk origins. It’s the type of song to play in your car after a bad day at work; it makes the listener face themselves through his self-authenticity.
The final track of the EP, “Rumble” evokes a sort of “badass motivation” in the listener. The end of each verse abruptly drops out instrumentally, then creeps right back up into the “rumble” chorus. With an occasionally upbeat melody line and an anger at wasted youth, the track is a tricky mix of feelings and musical tones, brought into one solid and raw sound.
A true DIY artist, Jovi Skyler’s music is original and performed himself, crafting a true artistic endeavor. No moment is wasted in his musical process, setting up a bright future for his current and future sound.
