Genre straddling, punk poet/MC/musician/stark raving madman Jinx Lennon returns to the fray with the gonzoid stylings of Trauma Themes Idiot Times and it just goes to show that even though the Dundalk native may be growing older, he’s certainly not getting any mellower. Definitely not a record for the faint of heart, our hero’s eclectic songbook takes in influences from Joe Strummer to NWA and uses badly sampled beats, raw as an open wound guitars and screams, wails and grunts as percussion. However, if you think that sounds like a recipe for disaster, then think again.
You see Jinx is a true diamond in the rough. Once you get past the confrontational delivery, you’ll hear the beating heart of a true poet who skillfully uses music to underscore his cautionary tales (‘Protect Thyself And Home,’ ‘Taxi Man Face’). He also peppers his songs with a large dollop of humour (‘The Men Who Saved The Face Of Football’) and the record is as absurd as it is ambitious. Once again, Forkhill’s Paula Flynn (that’s just outside of Newry for those who don’t have a map handy) lends her honeyed vocals to Jinx’s witch’s brew and she helps sweeten Lennon’s more sour moments. While Trauma Themes Idiot Times mightn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no doubting that the performer is one of the most unique and daring artists to emerge from Ireland in quite some time. If you fancy a walk on the weird side, then pick it up.
Edwin McFee
Key Track: ‘Folk Music For The Midlands’