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The Jakes-Shake My Hand EP
By Ben Minsky
Published: October 26, 2008
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Band: The Jakes
Album: Shake My Hand
Label: Unsigned
4.5/5

The Jakes-Shake My Hand EP

Straight out of Orange County, California, The Jakes' EP Shake My Hand consists of seven songs that are sure to catch your attention. This EP is a little mix of everything- acoustic, indie, and good old rock rhythms.   

Shake My Hand starts off with "Garands At Normandie", and the bands indie component is quickly recognized. The drums are excellent throughout the entire song as well as the loud, catchy choruses. The Jakes couldn’t of picked a better track to kick off this album. It is sure to get people’s attention and encourage them to continue listening.    

Next we have “Paid The Piper.” Once again, I love the drumming throughout this song. The guitar in this song is really quite refreshing. They add some really unique riffs and rhythms compared to the cliché power chords that are so apparent in every single rock song that comes out today. Lead singer Sameer Gadhia really shows what he has in terms of his voice. To be honest, it almost sounds like a totally different singer compared to the first song, which really shows how talented Sammer is.

Now here comes the typical indie song, “Cough Syrup”. At least that is how I see this song-something you would hear on a local indie radio station. There is nothing wrong with that though- this song is simply as catchy as the two before. I really can’t get over how refreshing the guitar on this EP is. It is so nice to hear some variety within the guitar playing on this album. It’s also nice to hear the bass lines throughout this EP because I feel like most albums I hear these days have the bass drowned out by wailing guitars and loud vocals, but not The Jakes.

I’m going to step back with my praise of The Jakes for one second. I really thought I was going to enjoy every song on this album, but then I heard “Schizophrenia”. Sameer’s vocals seem out of control on this song and it really detracts from the rest of the song. Every other aspect of this song is consistent with the The Jake’s sound, but Sameer’s vocals just take a step back in the wrong direction in my opinion.

Luckily, The Jakes pick it back up again with the title track “Shake My Hand”. They slow it down a little bit but this song features a ridiculously catchy guitar rhythm as well as steady drumming with the always popular “clapping hands” technique toward the end.

As the EP comes to an end, “Take My Hand” displays just Sammer’s vocals and an acoustic guitar. It almost reminds of Jason Mraz, but much more talented and entertaining. 

To wrap up Shake My Hand, “Texas Tea” consists of everything we have heard so far from The Jakes. Awesome drums? Check. Refreshing Guitar? Check. Outstanding vocals? Check check. The outro to this song is pretty heavy and really makes it a great way to end this EP.

Overall, for a young band, The Jakes have got it all. They know what they are doing in terms of writing great songs and I believe they have the capacity to write a terrific full-length album in the future. If you have a chance to pick up Shake My Hand, I highly suggest you do so.



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