Two Story Melody “There’s a lot of huge songs about rain that we all know and love, but just wait until you hear this new one… This fun, upbeat, piano-driven tune starts off as a soft, funky dance tune, but it quickly builds up to a term I use lovingly and sparingly: “banger.” ... It checks all the boxes; creative lyrics, exciting sound, catchy, and makes you feel emotion but in a way that doesn’t necessarily take away from the song’s experience. And yeah, “Watercolor Rain” isn’t just a song; it’s an experience. This song allows you to fully see yourself in a world where rain can be, well, whatever color you’d like.”
Big Takeover (print) “…more understated, allowing [Skuller’s] honeyed voice to stand out more. On the pleading ‘Pride,’ hopeful ‘Only Getting Older,’ and scolding ‘My Disappearing Act’ (the latter co-written by art-pop luminary George Usher), he recalls a brawnier Ron Sexsmith, while the vibrant opener ‘Anyhow’—inspired by a scary pre-concert car accident in snowy Montana—is sweeping, Velvet Crush-meets-Matthew Sweet power-pop.”
Poprock Record “The Skullers front man Jack Skuller has returned with a new solo EP, the more somber My Disappearing Act. It has the carefully curated guitar sounds we might associate with his past work but, on the whole, the project is more introspective than his full band work. All five songs here are winners but I’m drawn to ‘Antibodies (Buy You Time),’ with its timely sentiments and a subtle hookiness that reminds me of early Josh Rouse.”
Big Takeover “On the melodic and longing “Only Getting Older,” western reverb guitar melds with golden guitar jangle and a peppily stepping drum beat, while Skuller sings in a bittersweet tone that grasps at the intangible… The swaying sing-along “Pride” ambles along bucolic sonic meadows with glowing guitar note interplay, shadowy bass line, an easy-going, yet still kicky drum beat, and Skuller’s hushed, yet heart-on-sleeve vocals. Skuller continues his musical and personal journey as a solo artist, and My Disappearing Act shows he’s a skilled and engaging musician who’s here to stay.
Pancakes and Whiskey Share the excitement of getting to know a skilled rocker (like we did in 2019) and being the first to hear his newest work. You’ve landed on a sweet single and music video from Jack Skuller that we’re psyched to premiere on P&W today. “Anyhow” has an everything-is-gonna-be-fine kind of melody that feels just right for this moment. Lyrically, it morphs from relatable to surreal in its opening verse – “Remember when we thought that love had stopped / We bent the law and fell out of time / Trespassed until we were led somewhere / To a solitary house in the sky” – and continues to intrigue.
New Jersey Stage / Makin Waves “‘My Disappearing Act’ is the latest single from young scene veteran Jack Skuller, who’s been rockin’ his brand of award-winning lyrical bluesy pop-rock for more than a decade, yet is only 25. [The single] is vocally rich and raw… Beatlesque”
Jersey Beat “Skuller has infused his music with rockabilly and blues influences, but here, he skews towards a modern country sound. “Anyhow” starts us off with a pop-rock banger with an optmistic chorus, just the ticket coming out of this pandemic: “Straight ahead we will be found/ We will get to where we're goin', anyhow.” “Pride” boasts bright, modern production, but it's the kind of pure country song that George Jones might have written. Nashville, are you listening? “Only Getting Older” expresses a mid-twenties midlife crisis (“think I'm getting closer/ only getting older”) while “Antibodies (Buy You Time)” (written, Jack says, before the pandemic) uses spaghetti western guitars to flavor a downbeat, almost nihilistic lyric. Co-written with ageless NYC art-pop veteran George Usher, “My Disappearing Act” offers a moving account of a failed relationship, with orchestral production not only showcases Skuller's vocal prowess but also an abililty to communicate complicated emotions in a song. Bravo.”
Roadie Music “an unmistakable voice… an attractive composition and a delicious vibe”
WRAT FM Jersey Rock (Artist of the Week) “Fueled by experience and crafted with skill “My Disappearing Act” is no illusion.”
I Don’t Hear A Single "I don't half like surprises and this splendid six track EP from The Skullers is a delight. The New Jersey trio have released an absolute Pop Rock gem that just drips with melody. Jack Skuller's vocals are slightly Glenn Tilbrook like, a great start.
There's certainly a Squeeze like ring to “Still Life,” a three minute joy of a pop song, killer riff, singalong chorus, all of the requisites are present. Much will be made of the stand out single “She Denies Herself The Thing She Loves” and rightly so.
“She Denies Herself” has an Oasis second album vibe, whilst at the same time having a Glam Rock bounce. It's a fine song, but the other four offerings are equally good. “Convenient” is late 60's UK Beat / Power Pop of the highest order. “Out Of The Garden” just melodically rattles along.
“Brooklyn Girls” is a great slice of Psych Pop and the EP is rounded off with a quaint version of “She Denies Herself The Things She Loves” recorded in The Third Man Record Booth. I can't wait to hear more from the band. This is a Top Notch Listen."
The Big Takeover (print edition) "With forceful rhythms by bassist Luigi Sardi and drummer Brian Fahey, FT&PG betters their more garage-rocking 2017 Meet the Skullers EP; opener "Still Life" competently marries Sloan power-pop with Cheap Trick '70s hard-rock, while "She Denies Herself the Things She Loves" adds a Gary Glitter glam-rock stomp."
POPULARtv “the future is looking bright for the James Dean-like Skuller.”
WRAT-FM Jersey Rock "The Skullers latest single off the upcoming EP has an awesome beat and a clever hook. “She Denies Herself The Things She Loves” builds upon The Skullers’ already well-established Blues Rock sound by adding some serious Pop sensibilities. It’s a truly catchy tune."
The Big Takeover (online) "The Skuller-penned song keeps the pace lively, with an elastic bass line, stirring, bluesy guitar bluster, the occasional tambourine jingle, and an emphatic drum beat. Skuller emotes with a heavy dose of longing, while still driving his lyrics home with passionate conviction."
Indie Voice Blog / LA Music Critic "This time around they have evolved from their blues rock origins to become a band worthy of heavy rotation on Top 40 radio. We love every song on this EP, especially “She Denies Herself the Things she Loves” and “Out of the Garden.”
You Don’t Know Jersey “This brings us to the best track on the album. Over the backdrop of Skuller shopping, getting gas and coffee and other, ahem, conveniences, “Convenient” is an intense and driving tune that utilizes his voice incredibly well. Just listen to the harmonies. The song skillfully channels Britpop and neo-psychedelia in a way that brings a big smile to my face. The chorus of the “How convenient for you” just oozes with delicious sarcasm that groups like Oasis and The Stone Roses did so extremely well.”
Power Popaholic “Opening with the echoing beat of “Still Life,” it has plenty of power pop grit along the lines of Matthew Sweet with some ’60s psych-pop details. The jangling guitar and catchy, driving beat of “She Denies The Things She Loves” recalls the recent Liam Gallagher. They add real guitar muscle to “Convenient” with its compelling reverb bass and a layered chorus. Overall a great set of tunes that foreshadows great things for The Skullers. Highly Recommended.”
Pancakes & Whiskey “She Denies Herself The Things She Loves” comes with a cool vintage-style music video. Gritty footage of the rockabilly-inspired NJ-based trio in action is blended with the movements of graceful dancer Jessica Castiglione. And that’s a fitting choice for B-roll, because it’s a terrific song for dancing.”
Poprock Record “…it’s chock full of catchy tunes. “Brooklyn Girls” has a lovely midtempo feel, lulling you like train ride through a rainy day. “Convenient” kicks things into a higher gear, rocking the poprock a bit more. The single is “She Denies the Things She Loves” and it has a nice Oasis vibe to my ears. A few listens confirms it’s ear worm infectious. The EP ends with probably my fave track, the more low key “Still Life” but I love the vocal and shuffle hooky beat.”
Ear To The Ground “This is an outstanding rock song. This song not only has a powerful hook, but relatable lyrics if you’ve ever been in a contentious relationship. It’s more musically and lyrically complex than meets the eye. I love tracks like this, genuinely.”
GHETTOBLASTER “The EP, produced by Don DiLego at Velvet Elk Studio in the Pocono Mountains, is a ever-so-slightly gritty power-pop classic in-the-making — imaging Matthew Sweet leaned a little more towards ’60s psychedelia than towards ’80s and ’90s alt-rock with a very modest dusting of The Walkmen and Jack White.”
POPMUZIK "...listen to this beautifully engaging single with the long title She denies herself the things she loves."
Indie Buddie “Passion, spirit and kinetic energy ooze from this sway-able shuffle as The Skullers once again present a mesmerizing tune to wrap your ears around.”
Pancakes & Whiskey The Skullers Rip It Up In The Sun (live show review)
“not only because we dig his classic songwriting, but because the band sounds excellent live and delivered a fiery performance. The fact that it was a short-and-sweet set didn’t at all lessen their impact; in fact, it felt like they poured all the more passion into the handful of songs they chose, each of which had the crowd swaying and bobbing their heads happily.”
The Aquarian Weekly "I heard an amazing blues band on Tom Hanley’s Jersey Rock show on the WRAT… and really loved the soul that singer Jack Skuller showcased in his vocals on songs like “Meet Me in Memphis,” “Pressure Face,” and “Peace With You.” You can’t have the blues without a little soul, and Skuller definitely has it!"
The Jersey Journal "...emerged as one of the most reliable live acts in the area, bringing a hip modern take to classic rockabilly and blues. This cover of a Richard Hell track from the '70s helped broaden the group's already impressive palette."
Pop Rock Record “New Jersey’s The Skullers have a great new single, a cover of a 1977 Richard Hell b-side called “I’m Your Man.” Their take marries a 1970s new wave sensibility with a more recent and fresh sound not unlike the UK’s Vaccines. I have to draw your attention back to their killer 2017 single, “Can We Do That Again.” From the hooky lead line opener to the swing in the chorus, the vocals and guitar gel in a way that could put this song in any number eras, including this one.”
ComeHereFloyd/Tris McCall “(the) numbers are immediate and crowd-pleasing enough for Nashville particularly his Beatlefied version of Richard Hell’s scruffball “I’m Your Man”, and a new original called “She Denies Herself The Things She Loves”. If an amphitheater-touring country roughneck plucked these guys from Hudson County tomorrow and stuck them in a support slot, I wouldn’t be surprised at all.”
The Knockturnal “And rock they did, blowing up the intimate Maxwell’s stage (so intimate Skuller stepped right off it and into the audience at one point). The music is hard pop rock with rockabilly leanings and a somehow cool, honest 80’s vibe to it; Skuller was the consummate showman, playing guitar, harmonica, and taking a break to toss a t-shirt into the crowd.”
INK 19 MAG “Skuller smokes out the Doors “Love Me Two Times.” You can hear the sweat fall from his love beads on to the monitor speakers.”
AMERICAN SONGWRITER MAGAZINE “Tell Me Your Heart” is an early ’60s-inspired tune Jack wrote shortly after he started driving. It’s analog, vintage, and cool, but with a sincerity missing from a lot of the ironic throwback recordings of the hipster sphere. We sense a lot of potential in this budding songwriter.”
NYC THE DELI MAGAZINE “JACK SKULLER is a teen idol in the wrong era. He’s got all the makings of a 1950s rocker. He’s also got the looks of a jukebox hero. ‘Tell Me Your Heart’ is an unexpectedly well done tribute to the timeless teen freedoms of hot rodding and heart breaking. Buddy Holly would be proud.”
HUFFINGTON POST/A-SIDES “The retro cool stud performed a track for A-Sides, and talked about the song, his music style, and influences. Big things may be in store for what the New York Post referred to as “mini Jack White.” Not too shabby. The world could use another cool guy named Jack.”
TEEN VOGUE “Meet Jack Skuller, our new favorite singer-songwriter. This crazy-talented 15-year-old’s soulful voice and boyish good looks make us truly believe that this is the most wonderful time of the year.”
THE EXAMINER “Here’s a prediction. Jack Skuller is going to be a big, big rock star…. This is not bubble-gum pablum; it’s arguably the best single released by anyone this year. Anyone.”
STAR LEDGER “Jack’s not just a cute little kid trying to sing pop songs. He understands rock ‘n’ roll. His clean, muscular chordings on electric guitar delivery a clarity and freshness that’s missing from much of today’s indie scene.”
TIME OUT NEW YORK KIDS “Your family’s next obsession”
CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND “No lie: “Love Is A Drum” the first single from teenager Jack Skuller will stay in your head for days. This is admirable and refreshing.”
THE DELI “‘Love Is A Drum’ is a catchy, energetic… old style rock’n’roll song that has the potential to charm pretty much everybody from babies to grampas.”
NEW YORK POST “The mini Jack White: Skuller’s first single on local label Bar None, is a rockabilly-like ditty decidedly more Jack White than Justin Bieber.”
INDIE ROCK MAGAZINE “Jack Skuller is an excellent singer/songwriter with a passion for “old school” rockabilly and punk. Good for the soul.”
20/20 Eyewear Magazine “this kid’s got the essence of potential “–mania” easily tucking on to the end of his name. We’re breathless and only hope you someday say you EYED it first here at 20/20.”