SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JACK GRISHAM AND THE LIFE UNDONE – JACK GRISHAM AND THE LIFE UNDONE

JACK GRISHAM AND THE LIFE UNDONE
JACK GRISHAM AND THE LIFE UNDONE
LOST IN BERLIN RECORDS

T.S.O.L.’s Jack Grisham has made a triumphant solo return with his new band, Jack Grisham And The Life Undone, with the release of their debut, eponymous album. With the exception of T.S.O.L’s 2024 release, A-Side Graffiti, this marks a rare record from Grisham in the last two decades. The new band centres on a collaboration between Grisham and German punk veteran, Lars Triesch of Profession Reporter.

Jack Grisham And The Life Undone opens with the jangly sway of “Pain Goes Around,” a song that, despite the title may suggest, feels ever so optimistic as the band ushers in a lush soundscape of acoustic guitars, strings, and backing vocals reminiscent of The Beatles. An air of tension comes in during the repeating bridge section, a bridge that develops with each pass, highlighting the sublime use of instrumentation behind the song. If “Pain Goes Around” feels more new wave, and even slightly psychedelic, than the following track, “Pieces Of The Sun” provided an energetic shot of upbeat punk rock. Nostalgic for the proto pop punk of the ‘90s, “Pieces Of The Sun” is an upbeat rocker driven by a catchy chorus, shining a light to the production and songwriting at the core of Jack Grisham And The Life Undone.

Despite the brightness heard on the opening songs, there is a darkness to the album. It is here where Grisham and Triesch are perhaps at their best as songwriters. The downtrodden sway of “These Things” and the acoustic driven, and incredibly sparse, “Dull Boy” feel very inspired by latter-career Bowie, particularly 2013’s The Next Day, and are among the best tracks on the album. As much as Grisham stands as a defining pioneer of early punk, this refined direction very much suits him as both a writer and singer. In fact, the further Grisham and Triesch go from conventional punk rock – such as the mournful “Black Ties,” and the closing “Darker Side Of Nowhere,” in addition to the two previously discussed songs – the more fruitful their collaboration is.

Grisham appears revitalized and creatively recharged through his collaboration with Triesch. The resulting album feels like an artistic reset that should leave listeners excited for more to follow from this pair. Throughout the album, Grisham appears reflective as he embraces the shifting tones of each song with a highly emotive performance that should be considered a highlight among his storied career. On Jack Grisham And The Life Undone, Grisham and Triesch sound as though they are just getting started.

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