JAMIE KENT: NAVIGATION

GENRE | ACOUSTIC BEACH FUNK
VERDICT | SCRUBS REBOOT SOUNDTRACK
LABEL | SELF-RELEASED
RELEASE | 4.20.12

It’s been awhile since I’ve heard songs that are catchy, feel-goody, and alternative (yet still easy to digest) enough to sound as if they belong on the Scrubs soundtrack, but Jamie Kent’s Navigation seems to provide enough for at least 11 episodes.

The album begins with three songs that closely compare to acoustic-indie minstrels Dan Mangan, Colin Hay, and David Berkeley. With flying strings, pounding drums, and acoustic guitars layered over emotionally intense lyrics about existential crises,

the record began as an intense acoustic alternative to Coldplay but quickly shifted gears thereafter.

The B-side hop scotches from one genre to another, playing with ukuleles, organs, and funky bass. Songs like “Hold On” and “So Bad” awkwardly thrust an organ into the game a la George Thorogood.

The focus and direction then dissipates into a sonic display of ADD. Though the second half isn’t good, it’s certainly enjoyable, but it’s just not in sync with what appears to be the album’s initial intentions.