Jackson Road, an indie alt-rock band that originated in Sacramento, has taken a leap of faith. Their sophomore album, 'Take Flight,' was released late this year amidst the bandmates' sprawling personal ventures. You may even question whether divinity had a hand in the matter when you consider that the album took shape while Lead guitarist Ted Weldon began a bold and ambitious new series of artwork, drummer Christian Peters embarked to Southern California to begin an intensive music study, and Singer/Guitarist Nate Weldon re-teamed with the Tahoe Hotshots - an elite group of wilderness firefighters. While many of the songs on 'Take Flight' do reflect the feel and rhythm of the bands' first self-titled album (with more than a handful of catchy singles), the leap in their second endeavor is that they have boldly embraced that which makes them DIFFERENT. A risk few bands are willing to take in the current music industry climate.

'Take Flight' opens with the song 'Airliner,' which draws the listener in with drifting electric guitar, dreamlike echoing vocals, and just enough electricity to make your heart take the up beat. The mature sound leaves you feeling just a bit concerned that perhaps this isn't the band you thought it was. No worries. Their next song 'Californian' picks up right where the first album left off - with a jam you can sink your skateboard into, or jam to on your iPod while striding down the boardwalk along sunny beaches. Nothing keeps this band too moody for long. Though there is, overall, more recognition of strife, effort, and good old-fashioned grit in this album. While the mood of 'Take Flight' left me curious as to where this band is going next (a question, it seems, the band might be asking themselves in the song "Human Maze"), this album more than hints to the fact this band is ready to reach new heights.

Jackson Road is performing at Harlow's in Sacramento on Saturday, January 16th, 2010. Their album 'Take Flight' is available now on iTunes and Amazon.

http://jacksonroad.com