With their first full length "New World" released a couple of years ago, German TRAVELIN JACK are now out with their second effort, "Commencing Countdown", out for SPV/Steamhammer: with a blues girl leading the way with her voice, this is a fine example of vintage and psychedelic rock, in the 70's revival trend we are now witnessing, with names like BLUES PILLS. What may differentiate TRAVELING JACK from their peers is their glam look and approach, which gives another taste to the mind trips induced by their melodies: among all the layered brit rock, blues & psych sounds we witness here, we find their glam influence growing stronger and giving an added value to this release.

All revolves around Alia Spaceface, whose vocal performance is always above the line: since the opener "Land of the River" her voice grows, touching perfection when this LP reaches cruise speed; from rocky "Cold Blood" to the blues-laced space rock of "Galactic Blue", from "Miracles" rock'n'roll to the pure blues sound of the ballad "What Have I done", without forgetting "Fire", where she reaches probably the highest peak of this release, her vocal work shines throughout this 42 min platter. Around her, the band is able to give strength to each track, layering all their influences in an inspired and mature songwriting, smart and deep from start to finish. TRAVELIN JACK are not a mere copy of their influences and the masterworks that inspired them: it's a personal review and interpretation of all these styles, based on A-level songwriting and made possible by this band technical skills. Following this path, "Commencing Countdown" gives them all the tools to cut some room in the scene for themselves.