Biography
Jason Firkin: drums, percussion, vocals
Kevin Smerdon: bass guitar, vocals
Eddie K: lead vocals, guitar
"What do they sound like? Unique. These guys have created their own style. If it's musical innovation you want, this dynamic trio will not disappoint". (Rave Magazine)"
"They're very much in a niche of their own here. Completely and utterly unique, I dare anyone to try and pidgeonhole it." (Tsunami Magazine)
Born out of their collective love for a variety of vastly differing genres, The Jake’s sound has always proved difficult to define. Whether it could be described as “a compelling mix of funky, groovy guitars and indie pop sounds, breezy rhythms, delicious melodies and quirky vocals” (Skinny’s Music), or “a blend of jazz beats, borderline punk style vocals with funky rhythms” (The Music Platform) or simply “a sonic swirl of retroism” (Tsunami), it seems almost every listener has a different perspective of The Jake’s style.
This release was immediately followed by their first Australian East-Coast tour and then a two month tour through Britain and the Netherlands where the band received an overwhelming response to their music and live shows.
Spearheaded by the tracks "Sayonara" and "Just Like Eve and Adam", the EP quickly received airplay on independent and commercial radio throughout Australia, Britain and the United States as well as the Australian Triple J network.
Following four years of relentless gigging throughout Australia, the band settled back into the studio to work on their third release. Collaborating with acclaimed producer, Jeff Lovejoy (Regurgitator, Powderfinger, The Cruel Sea, Resin Dogs), the EP, entitled “More to Life”, saw The Jake branching off in even more novel directions, while still maintaining their distinctive quirky sound.
Since it’s release, tracks from "More To Life" have been aired on Triple J, Rage and independent radio stations throughout Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
Additional highlights from The Jake's career to date include:
- Festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (with George, John Butler Trio and Alex Lloyd) and Hoogie Fest (with Motor Ace, David McCormack and The Polaroids, Tripod, Frenzal Rhomb and The Porkers)
- Supporting acts such as Screamfeeder, Rhubarb, Rollerball, The Bedroom Philosopher and You Am I
- Contributions to several short films and the "Moneyshot" feature film soundtrack
- Performances at venues throughout Australia, Britain and the Netherlands
including The Basement (Sydney), The Esplanade Hotel (Melbourne), The Arena
(Brisbane), The Great Northern Hotel (Byron Bay), The Star and Garter (Manchester),
Night and Day (Manchester) and De Rokerij (Amsterdam)
"More To Life" is available through Creative Vibes.
What the critics are saying.......
"Did you ever see that 3D episode of the Simpsons where Homer gets sucked into that parallel universe and yells, "I'm somewhere where I don't know where I am!" Well that's what it feels like for a rock chick like myself listening to Namaste Jake's EP, "The Underground Groove". They're very much in a niche of their own here.
Completely and utterly unique, I dare anyone to try and pidgeonhole it. There's some keyboard jamming, tinny sounding guitars and wild lyrics in a sonic swirl of retroism. "Just like Eve and Adam" has tinkling piano and a catchy chorus, whilst "Bask in the Sunshine" has an Austin Powers style groovy vibe. "Sayonara" is the lazy kick-back ballad (if you could call it a ballad!) and is the pick of the bunch.
It's definitely a grower as there's waaaay too much to take in here on the first listen. I've spun the disc three times: I'm dazed, I'm confused, I'm disorientated but I feel I've expanded my musical horizons somewhat. For those who like their music with a very large dose of quirk."
Kristen Veltmeyer, Tsunami Magazine - January 2004
"Their Unusual mishmash of funk and punk went down beautifully"
Liz Giuffre, Drum Media - November 2006
"The new Namaste Jake EP is a compelling mix of funky, groovy guitars and indie pop sounds. Breezy rhythms, delicious melodies and quirky vocals define this 5-track release. The first single from this ep is the catchy, laidback "Sayonara" (which features on the soundtrack of the movie "Moneyshot"). The first track "Just Like Eve and Adam" is a jaunty little number that will have your feet tapping from its outset. "Bask in the Sunshine" is a fresh, light tune, featuring funky guitars, snappy drumming and quirky samples. "98k Whore" is a wah-wah wonderland of upbeat grooves and smart basslines. Namaste Jake are regulars on Brisbane's live scene and have toured alongside everyone from Frenzal Rhomb to You Am I. One listen to "The Underground Groove" is sure to convince you to get out and catch their fresh, infectious grooves first-hand. My only complaint? That there are only five songs! You'll be hungry for more of Namaste Jake by the end of the mellow, funky closing track "Just Because"."
Bec Stafford, Skinny's Music - July 2003
"While it would be easy to lump the three-piece in the indie pop/rock camp, their music is much more. It's a touch psychedelic funk, a touch jazz, a touch bent, and pretty much unlike anything else around.”
Craig Spann, Courier Mail - June 2003
"Another Brisbane band with an individual sound, Namaste Jake peddle a brand of funky guitar pop with a fetching quirk factor that puts them in the same ballpark as Custard. Eddie Kriletich's irrepressible I've-had- too-much-red-cordial vocals, in particular, bring to mind Dave McCormack, and spring about the place with glee. Highlights include Just Like Eve & Adam, with its bouncy, chorused guitars and breezy melody, and 98K Whore, a vibrant, uptempo dissection of the rich/poor divide with funky wah-wah guitar and locomotive bass. A groovy, smart, catchy collection, aided by some great band performances.”
Brett Collingwood, Rave Magazine - December 2002
"Recently we were at the Queens Arm's in New Farm and have no doubt seen Brisbane's best band: Namaste Jake. THESE GUYS ROCK! From the start of their set to the end, they played music that just blew our minds away. Funky jazz beats to songs that are still in our heads. Forget about other bands, this band is awesome!"
Time Off - April 2001
"With a blend of jazz beats, borderline punk style vocals with funky rhythms, Namaste Jake are a definite must-see. If you like what borders on the different, these three quirky characters will provide you with music you'll want to move to. These guys aren't afraid to get up there bringing their own personal style to the scene. They are carving a new way for a new sound and doing very well."
The Music Platform - November 2000
"What do they sound like? Unique. These guys have created their own style. Outstanding and different vocals that will have you funkin'. If it's musical innovation you want, this dynamic trio will not disappoint. Riffs that will invade your mind."
Rave Magazine - October 2000
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