REVIEWS FOR “WELCOME TO THE FAMILY”
“Americana Highways” - July 28, 2026 by John Apica
"I’m not a big fan of self-produced albums. An artist usually needs a separate set of ears to cut the fat away from a project. Things can become too top-heavy, too “hot” in its production, or have too many of one type of song & not enough of others – balance. Pacing. However, Mike Jacoby (vocals/guitars/piano/organ) has done an admirable job with his well-produced, sonically sharp album.
Opening numbers “Welcome To the Family” & the energetic “The 75/24 Split” are pure modern rock with melody, guitar flash & torrential drums. Who gets the 1% that’s left over after the split?
There are 11-cuts on their 3rd LP, Welcome To The Family (Drops July 31/Independent). Recorded in Long Beach, CA, the collection is comprised of Americana rock with doses of country & folk mixed with ‘90s indie-rock spirit. The themes are love, loss, humor, resilience, & America as it is today. The songs themselves unfold with empathy, a reflection of personal & social fractures & heartbreak. Each with a generous scoop of classic rock traditions.
The clever “Red, White & Blues” has lots of musical color (no pun intended) in its arrangement. The varied guitar textures & wall-of-sound vocals are presented impressively. It’s old-fashioned rock but never sounds old. It does have, with its shockingly good full sound from a trio of musicians, the spirit of the garage rock masters that few remember today. The Electric Prunes (“I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night”), Strawberry Alarm Clock (“Me & the Township”), The Easybeats (“Friday On My Mind”), The Outsiders (“Time Won’t Let Me”) & the Count Five (“Psychotic Reaction”). Music that puts a smile on your face.
They have a wonderfully developed diversified feel. “Tell Them” has Alex Chilton & The Box Tops (“I Must Be The Devil”) pop rawness & Memphis-pop rock enamel. A bit slower, they add a tint of dark words to “You & Me Both” — swaddled in a Tom Waits, Lee Hazelwood-type vocalization. Emblematic of their narrative styles.
There are some missteps, but average listeners won’t notice. So, let’s not focus on those. Every bag of apples has one or two worms, or a bruise. These result in my concerns about self-produced projects. Yet the production is good & at times, while some songs are over-developed, I’ll take over-developed instead of a thin, spare sound anyway. Mike Jacoby delivers assured vocals throughout. The band strikes the anvil with each swing of their tight & confident playing.
Highlights – “Welcome To the Family,” “The 75/24 Split,” “Red, White & Blues,” “Tell Them,” “You & Me Both,” “85%,” “Fine American Craftsmanship,” & “And It’s Gone.”
Musicians – Don Read (bass/bgv), Mike Levin (drums/percussion/bgv) with Art Bailey (piano on 3 cuts)."
https://americanahighways.org/2026/07/28/review-the-mike-jacoby-electric-trio-welcome-to-the-family/
“Rootsville”
“The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio returns on July 31 with *Welcome To The Family*, a collection of eleven tracks featuring sharp Americana-rock that blends country, folk, and the melodic grit of 90s indie rock into something both timeless and contemporary.
Recorded in Long Beach and produced by Jacoby himself, the album explores love, loss, humor, and the fractures shaping modern American life, with songwriting that feels lived-in rather than theatrical. Backed by longtime collaborators Don Read and Mike Levin, the trio delivers dynamic, instinctive performances that keep the songs grounded, even as the record shifts between the energy of heartland rock, layered alt-country, and more experimental moments.
Following the critically acclaimed *Rocket Fuel Logic*, Jacoby takes things a step further here, featuring tighter songwriting and production alongside a greater focus on emotional contrasts. Tracks like "Welcome To The Family" and "Red, White & Blues" confront empathy and division head-on, while songs such as "85%" and "Fine American Craftsmanship" inject humor and a touch of whimsy. Mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Gavin Lurssen, *Welcome To The Family* feels authentic rather than forced—an album built on strong melodies, human observations, and the chemistry of a band that knows exactly how to serve the song.”
https://www.rootsville.eu/2026/albums/the%20mike%20jacob%20electgric%20trio.html
Twangville by Shawn Underwood - July 22, 2026
"In this day and age of social media, where influencers constantly woo sponsors and opinions are carefully crafted to enrage, it seems the willingness to not take oneself too seriously is becoming a lost art form. Southern California’s Mike Jacoby is a light in that darkness. From an album cover shamelessly imitating Elvis and The Clash to a song about getting clothes hangers as a Christmas gift, Jacoby has a history of musical satire. He and his band have a new album out soon, called Welcome to the Family, and it carries on that tradition in a mostly classic rock style soundtrack.
The title track sets the tone with the band showing off their mastery of good old three-cord rock and roll. It’s an invite, not to his literal family, but rather the family of people who will “stand up for what you know is true.” Red, White & Blues is diatribe against corruption and social divide, where “the country [is] now strapped to a homemade bomb, and the ignorant light the fuse.” Fine American Craftsmanship is a commentary on our values in a hard rock anthem with some nonsensical verses Michael Stipe would have been proud to pen.
Jacoby skewers relationships on a few numbers. Love On Love is an alt-country take on a past affair, and in a turn of phrase only a musician (or a poet) would think of he knows lessons have been learned, but while “history does not repeat, let’s hope it doesn’t rhyme.” You Poor Thing is an old-school reggae tune about someone who desperately needs a friend but can’t be counted on to do anything except push people away. High on the lighthearted chart is 85%, a cut loaded with ad slogans from late 20th century TV spots. Also leveraging levity is The 75/24 Split. It’s a 180 bpm zinger about an infamous highway interchange between Atlanta and Nashville, but could maybe also be a subtle dig at a past breakup where you “just have to barrel through.”
Everywhere you turn these days some commentator is explaining why a record from someone or another is “important.” They may or may not get around to adding color on the music itself. Although I’ve never talked to him, I feel pretty certain Mike Jacoby doesn’t give a damn if anyone ever does that to one of his albums or not. His records are meant to be enjoyed. So if that sounds good to you, Welcome to the Family."
https://twangville.com/2026/07/22/the-mike-jacoby-electric-trio-welcome-to-the-family/
Liverpool Sound and Vision by Ian D. Hall - July 22, 2026
"Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Upbeat and dramatic, without losing itself to grandeur or flippancy; that is the sense of urgent cool delivered by The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio as they blend a sharp view of modern Americana with edgy Country melody and the fierce boundary smashing grit of 90s realism in the exultant clash that is Welcome To The Family.
The album’s title draws you in, the sense of unity and the small grind of the undertone working away at the impressions on the mind, on one hand a carefully constructed moment of joy where you become part of something larger, brought into a circle of people who rejoice at your inclusion, on the other, four words that suggest something hidden, secrets that you will swear fidelity to and which can bring an explosion of chaos to your door should you fail in your devotion.
It is to this eruption of the fantastic and the flood of pleasure received as the panache of Mike Jacoby, Don Read, and Mike Levin unleash their timeless sound that makes Welcome To The Family so inviting, and leaving the heart a little anxious of what it might uncover, that an unknown deep-seated love might appear and take the listener by surprise, leave them fully aware of the involvement and time that will now be placed in their hands as they reconcile what they believed they knew with a truth of human endurance and spectacle they hadn’t catered for.
To bring together love, loss, and humour in one dynamic assertion of great songwriting is to be seen as a triumph, and when gelled with the abundant energy on show, it is easy to see why the group instinctive insight infects their audience with certainty and gratitude.
Across tracks such as The 75-24 Split, Red, White & Blues, You And Me Both, the excellent You Poor Things, Fine American Craftsmanship, and the album title track of Welcome To The Family, Mike Jacoby and his two long term collaborators, as well as Grammy Award-winning Gavin Lurssen on mastering duties, what the album insists upon is that the listener gets musically high whilst keeping their feet firmly on the ground, that to be fully entertained is a pleasure and one that justifies the keenness of open deliberation and acceptance of positivity, even when the subject itself questions the deliberation.
A tremendous album, versatile, passionate, deliberate, full of nobility and yet humble in its depth; The Mike Jacoby Electirc Trio score with precision and accountability in this resonating release."
https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2026/07/23/the-mike-jacoby-trio-welcome-to-the-family-album-review/
Buscadero Magazine (Italy) by Rosario Pantaleo - July 22, 2026
"It is not every day that one hears an Americana record so deeply rooted in New York, yet created by a musician with roots in Puglia. And yet, that is exactly what this is.
*Welcome to the Family* is their fourth album as a group, and the step up in quality is palpable. Born of a classic American sound, the songs boast high-quality lyrics and keen descriptions of both inner and outer realities. The eleven tracks are played with grit and verve, showcasing the musical roots the band carries with it.
The title track is a spirited, luminous rock song rich in nuance, featuring a guitar riff that sits somewhere between the Byrds and R.E.M. "The 75-24 Split" opens with drums pounding as if driving a punk song; a vigorous sound and sweaty rhythm help create a warm, powerful atmosphere. It is a song built for the stage—perfect for warming up a crowd. "Red, White & Blues" greets the listener with the intro to "God Bless America" before shifting into a syncopated groove, driven by bluesy guitar work and a pounding rhythm section.
"Tell Them" is a cheerful blend of rock and pop, carrying the "flavor" of a small-town brass band. The music drives forward, and Jacoby adopts a storytelling mode. "You and Me Both" is a classic singer-songwriter track for guitar and vocals, with slide guitar and piano weaving subtle textures in the background. "Together" features the resonance of arpeggiated acoustic guitars, establishing an intimate sound that later transforms into a solemn folk-rock progression. "Love on Love" is a high-energy track—fast-paced, vocal-driven, and rocking—that once again evokes the spirit of R.E.M. ...and various Americana-style bands, all tied together here by a background piano.
"You Poor Thing" boasts a dry sound, with the electric guitar filling the track’s somber progression with notes. "85%" features Jacoby’s filtered vocals and guitars dueling amidst a swampy, rhythmic, and assertive soundscape. It is a fine rock lesson, albeit one with so many musical forebears that listing them all would be impossible. The album builds to a crescendo with the robust "Fine American Craftsmanship," where Jacoby’s vocals race to keep pace with the electric guitar—the driving thread of the sonic fabric.
The closing track, "And It’s Gone," relies on a strong groove, "open" guitar chords, and syncopated drums (with the hi-hat working with breathless intensity); in essence, it serves as a summary of the various musical styles showcased. Mike Jacoby’s electric guitar work is outstanding, acting as the backbone of the entire album. Nothing more needs to be said: *Welcome to the Family* demands repeated listens, allowing you to appreciate how it improves with every spin."
Americana UK - by Jonathan Aird on June 29, 2026 - regarding the release of the single “Welcome to the Family”
"It’s been a while, and then some, since we’ve had anything new from The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio, but rare as it might be, we’ve always liked what they have to say. Today, we have a special sneak preview of the title track of their new album. The single is out tomorrow, and the album will arrive July 31st. The song was recorded in Long Beach, which can be regarded as the cool part of sprawling greater Los Angeles, and self-produced. Welcome To The Family aims to continue to showcase the Trio’s ability to pair thoughtful storytelling with electrifying americana rock. And just who are The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio? Well, Mike Jacoby (natch’) alongside longtime collaborators Don Read and Mike Levin.
Mike Jacoby says of the song, “Welcome to the Family is a song that examines what life might be like for an immigrant in this country. It’s a timely, compassionate song that asks listeners to look beyond politics and remember our shared humanity.” Shared Humanity – yeah, we recall that, good to know that we’re not alone."
https://americana-uk.com/track-premiere-the-mike-jacoby-electric-trio-welcome-to-the-family
REVIEWS FOR “ROCKET FUEL LOGIC”
Take Effect January 30, 2025
"Rocket Fuel Logic - 8/10"
The always impressive guitarist and vocalist Mike Jacoby is aligned with Don Read and Mike Levin for these lively and scrappy 10 tunes we won’t soon forget.
The thumping energy of “There Ought Be A Law” starts the listen with plenty of grit and melody entering the flowing climate, and “Stomp The Gas” follows with spirited guitar that suits the frisky drums from Levin that helps emit much energy.
Further along, “Lie In Bed” is an intimate moment of beauty and poeticism that slow the pace with much effectiveness, while “Ready When You Are” is a bright album highlight that makes great use of Read’s skilled bass amid a sunny mood.
Close to the end, “Resume Speed, Texas” injects harmonica and a swift execution of dance floor ready festivities, and the softer “Try” exits with folk qualities that build into a classic rock’n’roll finish.
Perhaps most closely linked to Americana and alt-country, Jacoby and company certainly aren’t lacking any enthusiasm across this relatable and enjoyable body of work.
https://takeeffectreviews.com/january-2025-3/2025/1/30/the-mike-jacoby-electric-trio
Michael Doherty's Music Blog - January 15, 2025
The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio: “Rocket Fuel Logic” (2024) CD Review
For a while, singer and songwriter Mike Jacoby was doing it all himself – writing, singing, and playing all, or most of, the instruments on his recordings. He released several solo albums, starting with 2013’s The Big 5-0 and also including 2016’s NorthEastSouthWest and 2019’s Long Beach Calling (the title and cover for that last one a play on The Clash’s London Calling). Then in 2023 he put out The Long Haul, this album by The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio, where the vocalist and guitarist was joined by Don Read on bass and backing vocals, and Mike Levin on drums and backing vocals. And last year, the trio followed that with Rocket Fuel Logic. Interestingly, on this album Mike Jacoby revisits songs that he had included on his solo albums. As with Long Haul, there are a couple of special guests on this album, including Ann De Jarnett on violin.
The album opens with “There Oughta Be A Law,” a good solid rock number that Mike Jacoby previously included on The Big 5-0. “Try getting with the program/It’s politically correct/And pretty soon you end up/One more nasty nervous wreck.” These days, I think a lot of us are nervous wrecks, anticipating the descent into derangement this country is about to experience. “The slightest push shouldn’t make you fall,” Mike Jacoby sings here. Indeed. This track also gives the album its title in the lines, “It’s rocket fuel logic/It’s ignorance is bliss.” There is some really nice work on guitar. “Stomp The Gas” follows “There Oughta Be A Law” on The Big 5-0, and so it does here. This song has a great energy, like a boogie, and features more good guitar work. It’s a song that urges, “Get off your ass while you’re still alive.” Some folks are lazy, and some folks put off pursuing their dreams for other reasons, but whatever the case may be, life is short, it’s over before we know it, before we’re ready. “How many last chances do you think you get?” Mike Jacoby expresses the idea in several ways, often with humor, as in this line: “You just got up, you don’t need a nap.” This is a great song, one of my personal favorites from this album.
“Your Love Song” is a fun country rock number about divorce. “Our divorce is almost over, and the news is all over town/But there’s a little thing that might just bring the whole deal crashing down/That was your love song/And you can keep it on your stack/That was your love song/‘Cause I sure don’t want it back.” I also love these lines: “Now it might make you uneasy, and it just might make you sad/A bit of human emotion that I’m not sure you ever had.” I dig that work on keys. Special guest Art Bailey is on piano for this one. This song was originally on Long Beach Calling. That’s followed by another fun song, “Explaining To Do,” which was originally on NorthEastSouthWest. There is a wonderfully cheerful energy to this track, even as it describes a couple that has some troubles. Their questionable behaviors all seem to occur because of alcohol: “It was just one stupid drunken night.” And check out these lines: “Heaven knows we love each other still/It makes us crazy in the head/And maybe we should stop picking at the sores/And take a sedative instead.” Wonderful! It began with him having some explaining to do, moved to her having the same, but it ends with “We got some explaining to do,” which in a way is strangely romantic, right? So at the end these guys are still together. Whether they should be or not is a whole other matter.
“Lie In Bed” is a song about dishonesty in a relationship. It contains some really good lines, such as “We’re both alone, and now it’s all we share” and “Shed our skin and left it on the floor/No one talks about it anymore.” Here Mike Jacoby also sings, “I count the hours as they move too slow,” and this song itself moves at a slower pace, which works well for the subject, helping to immerse us in its atmosphere. Still, it builds in power in the second half. This song was also originally on NorthEastSouthWest. “Ready When You Are” is another track that was on NorthEastSouthWest. The guitar intro reminds me a bit of The Band’s “The Weight.” Then the song comes in with a good power. It turns out there is trouble in this song’s relationship too, with Mike Jacoby singing, “There’s a wall between us, something went wrong/There has to be more to this than just getting along.” But perhaps there is still something there, though maybe only one of them sees it. “I’m ready for the ride, ready for some kind of trust/I’m ready for the rain to come damp down the dust/Or maybe there’s sunshine or big skies of blue/I’m ready for the life I was meant for with you.” Ultimately it’s an optimistic, hopeful song, with some seriously catchy elements, and it features some good guitar work.
“Lay Of The Land” is also from NorthEastSouthWest. It has kind of a sweet, thoughtful vibe as it begins, and features some nice work on harmonica. Its first line mentions that “New Year’s Day is finally here.” So we are immediately put in mind of a time of change, of new beginnings, new opportunities, or at least promises of such. Soon we learn the character of this song is at a crossroads, realizing “Life ain’t going quite the way you planned.” And what will this person do to change things? Anything? And what will we do? Because of course we find ourselves in this song, at least in some lines. “The highway stretches on and on/Don’t count the days that you’ll be gone/Out searching for a solid place to stand.” Then “Here And Now” opens with a delightful, bright energy. As this seriously good rock song begins, Mike Jacoby tell us, “The bones get brittle past a certain age/I need big letters just to read the page/My back’s getting worse, my hair’s turning grey/There’s no going back to yesterday.” But he is not lamenting anything. Instead, he announces, “I’m here in the here and now.” Oh yes! We might be older, but we’re not quite dead, so let’s get on with it. This track is another of my personal favorites. There is a bit of a punk rock energy to it, which is great. “I know I screwed up, I know what went wrong/I remember every place I didn’t belong/But at the end of the day, with the setting sun/I won’t lose sleep over what I’ve done.” This song was on Long Beach Calling.
“Resume Speed, Texas” was included on The Big 5-0. This new recording is quite a bit different from that earlier version, right from the start. It opens with its title line, which the original recording did not, and it has more of a rocking thing happening here, sort of along the lines of something Reverend Horton Heat might do. It’s fantastic and a whole lot of fun. I imagine this song must be a highlight of the trio’s live performances. The album concludes with “Try,” which was also included on The Big 5-0. Mike Jacoby’s delivery of that first word, “Hey,” is quite a bit different from the original recording, and so it puts us in a different frame of mind when receiving the rest of each line. It’s an interesting effect. There is something more intimate about it, like this is a one-on-one conversation. “Hey, try not to notice/Hey, try feeling cold/Hey, try tired and lonely/Hey, try growing old.” And then in the second half, it kicks into higher gear, in a way that the original recording did not, and becomes more positive, more hopeful. “Hey, try even harder/Hey, try pushing through/Hey, try all around us/Hey, try I love you.” That last line is repeated, and its final delivery is a cappella. What better way to end an album in these trying times than with “I love you”?
https://michaelsmusiclog.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-mike-jacoby-electric-trio-rocket.html