By Lillian-Mae Haney – Staff Reporter

Mike Krol’s released his first album, “I Hate Jazz’ on May 11, 2011. This album is unique from other albums because of how it is presented. Unlike others, almost all of the songs are around one minute but the longest song on their is four minutes and 11 seconds. As well as this, his songs on this album are very loud, messy, and chaotic making him different from other artists.

The songs in this album are not actually about hating jazz but about but rather a rejection of being put into a specific musical scene or stereotype, as suggested by the song “Left out.” It’s about heartbreak and losing motivation. His voice is loud and powerful and it’s hard to understand his music at first, but once people start actually listening to his music, the lyrics hit hard. 

The strongest points of the album come from his energy. Krol excels at creating music that feels alive, with tracks like “Fifteen Minutes” and “Like a Star” standing out because of their punchy riffs and memorable hooks. The distorted production adds character, giving each song its own edge. Even the vocals, which are rough around the edges, fit the attitude of the album perfectly, making the listening experience feel personal. The short length of the songs keeps everything tight and prevents the album from dragging, making it feel like a nonstop burst of motion.

However, the album does have clear weak points. The heavy distortion and similar pacing across the tracks can cause some songs to blend together, making it hard for certain moments to stand out. Listeners who prefer cleaner production or more dynamic songwriting might find the album too chaotic. Some tracks end abruptly, giving the sense that his ideas weren’t fully explored. 

“I Hate Jazz” by Mike Krol has a distinctive sound that sets it apart from others of its caliber and has valuable messages laced throughout each song. If people like artists like Will Wood, Alex G, or Dazey and the Scouts, they’ll most likely love Krol.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars