The language is beautiful, but with its elevation comes the problem of obscurity.

While they may not be mainstream (whatever that is), the boys of Jinnrail certainly possess the talent to get them there. Self-described as a mixture between The Who, The Doors, and Jack Daniels, Jinnrail makes a promise—and Million Lifetimes delivers.

The album infuses advanced lyrics with the kind of rock you'd expect to hear at a New York City hole-in-the-wall. The images derived from the lyrics of each song match exactly the tone set forth by the music, a feat rarely done so well by a band that's just turning five.

Million Lifetimes seduces the listener right from the start. The first track, "Friends Like I Am," evokes an Eastern vibe reminiscent of India, and the accompanying vocals enhance the hypnotism. "Girls Are Weapons," "Sell My Friends," and "Hey Man" all follow suit with profound lyrics and beats to match.

The prominent poetic quality of the lyrics does have a downside, however. With words like "duplicitous" and "nefarious"—just to name a few—you may have to check the dictionary to decipher just exactly what Jinnrail is trying to say.

The album slows down toward the middle, providing a welcome change into a softer sound with tracks like "Extraordinary." Again, the language is beautiful, but with its elevation comes the problem of obscurity. Jinnrail is a mixture of grunge and poetry, which can prove disastrous to the listener who just wants to rock out. When you're belting out "In vicious bliss/ The arrogant cast their lives/ Down centuries of myth," who can relate?

The gems of this album are found in "That's How She Do" (easily one of the best tracks) and, appropriately, "Million Lifetimes." "That's How She Do" has a solid sound and confident lyrics—take it from a Kentucky girl, it is the epitome of Kentucky whiskey rock. Switch over to "Million Lifetimes" and you'll figure out what makes Jinnrail's sound so good; this track is as breezy and calming as the love the lyrics make, reinforcing the band's uncanny ability to match the feeling of words with the feeling of music. "Vermont to Sunset" is an R&B-infused treat, and "Heart Unbound" displays the band's willingness to experiment. The track is mesmerizing from the get-go, but the lyrics are broken into what can be described as an "artistic arrangement" at best.

Overall, Million Lifetimes is easy listening for the indie rocker and undoubtedly enjoyable for the rest of us. Jinnrail has a lot to say...and I'd say it's worth a listen. B | Karen Brandt

RIYL: The Cult, Coldplay, The Doors

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