John Davis' latest album, JINX, was originally meant to be a Superdrag project. The band started recording it but ran out of time and energy. However, Davis knew the songs were too important to let go. He pushed forward with the record, and what emerged is a deeply personal collection of tracks that balance darkness and light.

The first thing you hear on JINX is Davis' signature guitar tone, which stays front and center throughout the album. Instead of layering a bunch of different guitars, Davis and producer Stewart Pack relied on a single Fender Stratocaster to shape the sound. According to Davis, the goal was to create a sonic space that felt instantly familiar to listeners. “Once you key into the sound, it feels like home,” he says.

Lyrically, JINX is as open and honest as you’d expect from Davis, who’s been writing songs for decades. He explores feelings of depression and self-doubt, but also moments of love and hope. The album opens with “The Future,” where Davis sings, “sometimes I’m a bag of broken glass / what am I supposed to do with that?” But the mood lifts with tracks like “Please Be My Love,” a sweet and direct love song that reflects his recent engagement.

The album’s title reflects its blend of both good and bad vibes. “Jinx” usually brings up thoughts of bad luck, but for Davis, it’s also an inside joke between him and his fiancée—they often say the same thing at the same time. This mixture of misfortune and love runs throughout the album, making it feel both intimate and raw.

Inspired by bands like Dinosaur Jr. and Hüsker Dü, JINX keeps things lean and tight. Davis worked with father-son duo Stewart and Henry Pack to strip away any unnecessary elements and focus on the core of each song. The result is a powerful, stripped-down record that stays true to Davis' heart.