Jangus Kangus – ‘Fortune Cookie’ [Album Review]

Fortune Cookie, the new album from Jangus Kangus, the brainchild of Jasmine Sankaran, finds the band shifting from jerry-built DIY albums to more integrated releases, an interconnectedness prompted by producer Mike Post.

Made up of Steph Anderson (keys/backing vocals), Antonio White (lead guitar/backing vocals), Dan Perdomo (drums), and Ryan Kellis (bass), as well as Sankaran (vocals, guitar), Jangus Kangus’s sound reveals flavors of garage rock, ’60s surf music, ’70s psychedelia, punk, and synth-pop.

Encompassing eight tracks, suggested entry points on Fortune Cookie include the opening track, “You Only Love Me When,” a coasting country western-laced tune topped by Sankaran’s slightly melancholic vocals, suffused by bittersweet timbres.

Jangly guitars and propelling rhythm give “Double Lives” a vibrant ambiance highlighted by soft-serve, dreamy vocals backed by radiant harmonies. There’s an undertone of ’60s pop aromas and surf-rock running through the harmonics.

The lysergic-infused, stomping “Janakita Kirakita” offers dark, thick energy atop a pounding rhythmic pulse, while hefty, chanting harmonies juxtapose Sankaran’s reverie-like vocals.

“Goldilocks” blends shiny, almost dream-pop, sparkling guitars with garage rock tangs, shaping a dichotomous melody that takes on upbeat, indie-pop dynamics before changing gears on the outro. Sankaran struts the range and tonal nuances of her voice on this song.

Jangus Kangus, photo by Leire Baztarrica @leirebaztarrica

“Honeymooners in Venice,” at once gleaming and tenderly quixotic, drips with wistful nostalgia as Sankara narrates the caprices of love. A poignant love song. Sankara’s voice unveils longing, regret, and hints of aching sadness.

“We looked like honeymooners in Venice / If they knew the half of it / Like all my friends who don’t get it / How quickly it goes downhill.”

The grimy, sleazy sway of the last track, “High Rise,” roils with urgent emotions and might be the best track on the album because of its introspective mood and wickedly telling lyrics.

On their new LP, Fortune Cookie, Jangus Kangus delivers a tasty variety of styles, emerging as a remarkably articulate band.

Fortune Cookie Track Listing:

1. You Only Love Me When
2. Double Lives
3. No Future in This
4. Our Love Is Dead
5. Janakita Kirakita
6. Goldilocks
7. Honeymoon in Venice
8. High Rise

Run Time: 31:21
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Record Label: Hand Salad Records