photo by Ariane Kok; photo courtesy of Jan Knetsch

by Eric Harabadian, Contributing Blogger

Album Review of JK Collective: Ring Road

JK Collective is a group of studio musicians and composers from the Netherlands that specializes in ‘60s-inspired rock and pop. Although they sound more than capable of handling any musical situation, the original songs performed on Ring Road strongly reflect their fascination with British, European and American-based classic rock.

album cover designed by Jasper Davidson; image courtesy of Jan Knetsch

Multi-instrumentalist and composer Jan Knetsch is at the helm here and leads his merry men of musicality down a road that is letter perfect in tone and texture. The dozen tracks here were sparked by Knetsch and his wife’s journey to the USA down Route 66 in 2022. Upon hearing The Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There” wafting from a roadhouse sound system, it stirred something in him to begin writing new music and tapping into that ‘60s-era style and feel. When Knetsch returned home to the Netherlands, he assembled this collective of musicians and got to work.

What you have here is a cadre of great original songs. “Ring Road Theme” is a mid- tempo rocker that blossoms on a bed of orchestral beauty. Woodwinds, strings and things blended with a wonderful and spirited melody really set the scene. “Together to Get Her” has a heavy British feel. It recalls the harmonic craftsmanship of The Hollies and The Beatles, with a touch of modern flair. The overall mood is upbeat, with a cool minor-ish guitar break. “I Don’t Wanna Give You Up” features great harmonies (hmm, I think I see a trend here… LOL!), with some tasty guitar action and a funky grooving bass line. “To Be Loved” features that Mersey Beat factor. There is also a predominant Beatle-esque sensibility, with a George Harrison-like slide guitar.

photo by Ariane Kok; photo courtesy of Jan Knetsch

“One Man Show” is very cinematic and taps into the bands’ penchant for storytelling. “The Mother Road” could almost be considered auto-biographical where it talks about traveling along Route 66. A ripping guitar solo and strong hooks bring it all back to the origin of JK Collective. “Work in Progress” spotlights the bands’ American influences, with a vocal nod to The Beach Boys. They’ve done their homework well and embody that freewheeling California sound. “Sweet Melody” sounds like Abbey Road-era Beatles. Superb harmonies, coupled with strings and brilliant hooks, make this a highlight. Continuing with The Beatles influence, there is no mistaking the “Eleanor Rigby” cadence and chamber string flourishes of “Roses in the Vale.” This track also vaguely recalls some of the early Moody Blues orchestral work. “Dreamers Drive” throws the whole works into the mix, blending woodwinds, strings, and straight up rock. And “My Song of the Day” rounds things out with a tasteful and well-placed acoustic ballad.

Ring Road is an album that shines a light on diversity and is very fluid in its songwriting approach. But there is a cinematic quality to their songs as well which taps into the JK Collective goals of licensing and marketing their music for films and video projects.