Rum Bar Records – 14 June 2024
Pop Punk Veteran returns with another emotional solo effort
J Prozac is certainly no stranger to the pop punk community. His primary band the Prozacs have been active for decades through countless albums, splits and compilation appearances. During his career, Mr Prozac has also penned material under his solo moniker. The last proper full length Prozacs album Ambivalence was released back in 2019. As J Prozac, the brilliant Won't Let Go was released in 2022. I am not sure the reason behind releasing this album Obsession as a solo release versus under the Prozacs brand. Maybe it is due to the band lineup involved. As a fan though, I was happy to hear of the album being penned as J Prozac, given the artistic freedom that seems to bring to Jay.
The title track “Obsession” starts the journey into the mind of Jay Prozac. If you know his work, you know that he is not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, which is exactly what happens on this release. The album is a chock full of emotions, from short and fast aggressive tracks, such as “Problems” to classic Lookout! Records style pop punk as heard on “That Feeling.” This album flows really well and serves as comfort food for pop punkers. Present are all the Screeching Weasel-esque guitar leads, dual vocal harmonies, and sing-a-long verses you canhandle. “Losing You” is one of the most powerful songs, both lyrically and emotionally, on this album. Jay uses subtle instrumentation to clearly express his emotions over the loss of his father. The song is the definition in song-writing of “less is more.” Another observation is the strong power pop influence throughout, as especially evident on “No Brain? No Problem!” which could have fit well on a modern Green Day album. One of my favorite tracks is “Lost” which, to me, summarizes the entire feel of the album. This track also features Jay's wife Andrea (Stiletto Bomb) on backing vocals.
It has been a fun ride watching Jay Prozac grow as both a songwriter and person over the years, both in the Prozacs and as J Prozac. As much as I love the former, in recent times I tend to prefer material released as the latter. The output is less predictable and more self reflective. If you are looking for pop punk that thinks outside the bubble, then this is the release for you!”
I am mostly known in cyberspace as a vinyl junkie and punk rock bassist! Fair assessment. I am the bassist of the Chicago area power pop / pop punk band SPACE AGE ZEROS.
