One Eyed Jacks

One Eyed Jacks

One Eyed Jacks is a London post-rock and indie rock group formed in the summer of 2009. The band name comes from David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. The group’s sound combines dense soundscapes with carefully structured songwriting, and it is described across post rock, atmospheric rock, shoegaze, alternative rock and emotional indie influences.

Line-up

The group is built around songwriter and guitarist Chris Douch. Mike Goward joins as singer and lyricist, after being brought in by an old friend of Douch. Luke Graham plays drums. Mark Levin joins on guitar after being invited by Douch, and Barry Fasman is the bassist.

Recordings

The band records a debut EP, Mint.Gun.Club., which begins recording in October 2009 and is completed the following month. It is made on a minimal budget and is presented as a DIY recording. The follow-up record, In Memory..., begins at Fortress Studios in Shoreditch in April 2010. This release is described as darker in tone, with themes of personal isolation and premature loss of life.

Live activity and influences

One Eyed Jacks play headline sets at Proud, Punk, 229, 333 Motherbar, Water Rats and Tommy Flynn’s. Their live performances are noted for a contrast between raw intensity and a more delicate, restrained side.

Their influences include Mogwai, Explosions In The Sky, The Velvet Underground, Nick Cave, Grizzly Bear and Yo La Tengo. Their music is described as spanning art rock, post rock, alt-folk and shoegaze, with Douch’s vocals and Levin’s soundscaping and production shaping the overall character of the group.