As Australian rockers Jet prepare to unleash their third album, “Shaka Rock,” drummer Chris Cester sat down to discuss some of the disc’s standout tracks. Cester shed some insight into “K.I.A.”, the hard-charging song that tackles the war-like pressures of everyday life.
“I had this idea of certain elements of life being like a war zone,” he says. “The song has an operatic, dramatic feel, and it really mirrors the dramatic content of the song, which is suburban warfare.” Cester also talked about the song’s wild recording process, which included a bunch of hyperactive 4-year-olds and a college drumline.
On the other hand, first single “She’s a Genius” is a more playful tune that recalls past hits “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and “Rollover DJ”. Cester says that the track is “about a girl who does things that just take it to the next level in your mind,” and offers a story about a particular girl who got a bit playful with the drummer at a bar.
She’s a Genius” is a taste of the guitar-driven power of “Shaka Rock,” set for an August 25th release on Real Horrorshow Records/Five Seven Music. This March, Jet played a high-octane version of the song to a massive audience at Melbourne’s “Sound Relief” benefit show. Check out footage of “Genius” – as well as a rocking performance of “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” via the video players on this page.
