Mirrorful by Jawbox

Recently resurrected, Jawbox are another of those ’90s post-hardcore bands (along with onetime label-mates Shudder To Think, Helmet, and others) to make a successful leap from an indie label to the majors.

Not that they sold out. This single from their final, eponymous album is a prime example of their gift for songs that are accessible without any suggestion that they’re trying to be. Compare Mirrorful with, say, Grip from their very first album six years earlier and you’ll see what I mean. They were always naturally catchy.

Jawbox released two albums on Dischord Records, before a move to Atlantic during the mid-90s alt rock gold rush. Singer and guitarist J. Robbins went on to form Burning Airlines, as well as Channels and others. He’s also an in-demand producer, working with bands including Shiner and Clutch. As of 2020, Jawbox are re-formed and touring internationally. 

Lesson

 

Both guitars are in E standard, though I’ve put the focus on performing this with just one guitar. Start out with a couple of dyads, played with a little flourish and heavy vibrato. 

Verses

Now we’re playing fleshed-out, arpeggiated chords related to the shapes in the intro. The second verse uses the same chords, but notice the rhythm is slightly altered.

Pre-Chorus

Now our two guitars diverge into contrasting single-note patterns, building tension before heading into the chorus. You could pick one or alternate, though in either case I’d land on that muted F#5 chord before the chorus to build up for the chorus.

Chorus

Again two different parts, though just different voicings of the same idea.