Jape – This
Chemical Sea (Universal Ireland)
LP/CD/DL
26 January
2015
Irish Alternative
Pop band release their fifth album.
Opening with
Séance Of Light, a cross between the Lightning Seeds and Faithless with hints
of Erasure and New Order, there is a sense of sure-fire success just around the
corner for this Irish band. Fronted by
band member Richie Egan in 2003, Jape bring a fresh and entirely enjoyable
sound with many an unforgettable hook.
The track is bouncy and squidgy and nothing short of 100% enjoyable.
Second track
and previous single, The Hearts Desire has vocals wedged somewhere between Ian
Broudie and Hot Chip, and maybe sounding how the later wish they did if they
weren’t a little bit boring. It should
come as no surprise that husband and wife duo Peaking Lights are also fans of
the band as there are similarities in their clean, wholesome sounds. In fact the duo remixed the last single and
were happy to wholeheartedly spread the news via all streams of social media.
So aren’t
Jape just another poppy band inflicting their infectious beats on the general
public? Well, the last comment is
certainly true. Their melodies will just
simply not escape your grey matter, each one is instantly compelling and worthy
of being given copious amounts of radio airplay. Take third track, Absolutely Animals where
there is probably a veiled story (although the collective feel of the song supersedes
any individual praise), a song so catchy that it will become the days
earworm. Even the most static of dancers
will feel the need to get up and wiggle an appendage.
There are
harks back to classic 90s tunes with Metamorphosis, but given a modern day
twist it becomes entirely relevant.
Their synth sound is clinical but not overly so and there are maybe
hints of musical influence from the likes of Vince Clarke and Daniel Miller. Tracks are simply, but not barren. Full but not overly complicated.
Breath Of
Life momentarily sounds like the intro to Mind Of A Toy (Visage) before its
semi-moonstomp drumbeat controls the track with some sumptuous echoes and
possessive bass line. Richie’s vocals
are soft, gentle and completely entertaining.
Love On The Crest Of A Wave is yet another track worthy of single
release.
Featuring
Conor O’Brien of Villagers, Ribbon Ribbon Ribbon begins with a house-like beat
and provides the perfect prequel to the album closer, title track This Chemical
Sea. The finale is a low-key, forgiving
end to a truly special album. With a few
oriental sounding notes it glides effortlessly and beautifully to a calming
end.
This
Chemical Sea is an album for not only lovers of alternative pop, but also
connoisseurs of very special music.
8.5/10
Links
Universal Ireland
Jape website
Jape on Twitter
Jape on Facebook
Published on Louder Than War 22/01/15 - here
8.5/10
Links
Universal Ireland
Jape website
Jape on Twitter
Jape on Facebook
Published on Louder Than War 22/01/15 - here
No comments:
Post a Comment