Pulse notes:3 out of 4

Rock music can often be placed into two basic forms, those being the candy-coated, easily consumable more familiar to radio sort, and then there’s the grittier kind, which is much more bittersweet, but has plenty of meaningful sustenance that makes it all worthwhile.

Jackhead’s new CD, “Slow Dance in the Kitchen,” is just that sort of rock music. Although the majority of the songs start out with a lighter, more melodic sound, the band knows just when to kick it into high gear.

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At times, “Slow Dance” seems almost country, but it’s the good kind of country in that each song tells a story, and isn’t overly sappy. It’s the kind of country people used to drink themselves to death to, and they enjoyed it. The lyrics and singing are backed up by appropriate soft melodies that encompass folk and country-like tendencies, as well as lighter rock inclinations. Band members Charles Tabing and Cecil Fuson’s interest in the group Wilco may have some influence on the sound of the band.

Although there are the country elements of acoustic and electric guitar accompaniment – and at times the introduction of a fiddle – there are still emotional highs in each song with a hint of rock influence. If anything, “Slow Dance in the Kitchen” has an eclectic feel to it.

Songs like “Boozehound” seem almost autobiographical and tell the story of a tortured soul resorting to alcohol for guidance while his or her loved ones urge them to come home. Some of the remarks made like “you on the floor again / it’s quite a sight / you threw up in the heat vent” add some lightness to the heavier topic. The CD also sports interesting song titles like “Sodomy & My Last Cigarette” and “Hide Behind Jesus.”

“Zeigler Coal Dust” adds a certain social and political commentary to the mix, but it does so in a less intrusive manner than other political songwriters of today. The song is more of a commentary on the history and economy of Southern Illinois, such as the rise and fall of the coal industry and how that has affected Southern Illinois residents.

“Slow Dance in the Kitchen” is 12 songs of thought-oriented, emotionally charged rock (not Emo) that is in and of itself an accomplishment. Sharing their inner-thoughts, while writing good music to go along with it at this level is something that happens mostly with professionals. “Professional” is probably the best way to describe this CD.