Jack and Rai are two chaps with a rather modest mission: to share. Every single on their debut album, ‘In stores now’, embraces you like an old friend who’s always on time.

The album’s title portrays Jack and Rai’s playful natures—they have been yearning to announce that ‘In stores now’ is in stores now—a disposition that you will be grateful for, as you let their music surround you, without ever really having to take it too seriously. You do not have to set aside time to listen to this album; instead, just let it accompany you wherever you go, whatever you do, whichever your mood.And so, true to form, Jack and Rai have a note and lyric for most moments.

“In stores now” also refers to the coming-of-age of a duo that hitherto had only been able to share their prophesies in popular bars and festivals. Up till now, so good are they at playing covers that one can be forgiven for thinking that Dave Matthews, John Mayer or whoever else they try to replicate is in the room.

Now, leaping to do original music with panache—their range and flexibility are on full parade here. What’s more, their writing styles complement each other wonderfully; Jack draws inspiration from life around him while Rai often finds answers through deep introspection. The album reveals shades of many greats, from the energy of the Goo-Goo Dolls to the delicate harmony of a young Simon & Garfunkel.

‘In stores now’ is Jack and Rai’s graduation party, after five years of collaboration, following independent musical careers that, ironically enough, were sparked off while marching in step, serving in the military.The end product is a bag of aural lollipops, to be chewed and sucked on endlessly. As it titillates, do remember that it is the product of a long dusty journey; the shared story of two young men who want to share; the narrative of a generation eager to grow, grateful that it’s finally alive.

A cover band? Not any more. In fact, on this evidence, it won’t be long before aspiring talents are singing Jack and Rai’s songs, in quiet bedrooms and noisy bars, waiting for their own chance to exhale.

read comments (0)