It’s Karma It’s Cool – Woke Up in Hollywood

One of the things I’ve always liked about Jim Styring is that he doesn’t stay in one musical place for very long. Shape-shifting in accordance with whatever moves him, each one of his projects is more interesting than the last. The latest from Jim and his band, It’s Karma It’s Cool, is just such an example – and it’s his best work to date.

In an earlier interview, Styring referred to Woke Up as a real headphones album. This becomes evident with repeated listening as one notices the finer elements, the little details that say this is more than just a pop record. It’s an experience.

On the title track, there’s a missing lyric that your mind involuntarily fills in for you. There’s the last few seconds of “Wooden Buddha”, perhaps the most enjoyable song of the year so far, with a few words from Buddy Holly. And “American Sushi” is the kind of perfect pop that would be a smash hit in a better place and time.

Woke Up in Hollywood is a truly collaborative effort with each band member coming from a slightly different place musically. That said, they all share a love of melody, harmony, big guitars and even bigger choruses.

It’s Karma It’s cool are: Jim Styring (Vocals), Martyn Bewick (Guitar and Additional Instrumentation), Mikey Barraclough (Bass Guitar and Additional Guitars) Danny Krash (Drums and Percussion). Special guests include Rex Broome (12 String Guitar on ‘Healer’s Leap’), Lannie Flowers (Guitar on ‘The Girl Who Gave You Everything’) and Brian Barry (Harmonica on ‘Healer’s Leap’). 

I won’t go through the album song for song but suffice it to say – YOU NEED THIS ALBUM. Woke Up in Hollywood is easily one of the best releases of 2020 and will undoubtedly appear on many year end “best of” lists.

Get the CD at Kool Kat Musik and the digital version at the band’s Bandcamp page.