Jealous Creatures - NEW!
We featured Jealous Creatures a while back when Babyface checked out some of their tracks, so when they dropped me a line the other day letting me know about their new record, Bazooka, I was most interested to check out what was going on. Described as ‘the soundtrack to all those times when we know it’s a bad idea, but we go for it anyway’, I figured that it was about time I had a listen to these guys for myself to see what was going on with their music.
Kicking proceedings off with At The Time things get off to a soothing start, a soft acoustic guitar line paving the way into things before ushering in the soft and melodic female vocal lines. Melodic and catchy from the word go, this is a mix which is what it is, not trying to be anything other than straight down the line music designed to penetrate deep into your soul and lift you from whatever issues you’re facing at the time. Melodic and catchy throughout, the opening moments of this album suggest good things for sure, immediately suggesting that we’re in for a treat with this record. Painful To See continues to push the boundaries of the record, lifting the tone upwards ever so slightly whilst still managing to keep that laid back and catchy approach at the forefront of what’s going on. Packing quite a punch on top of the melody, there’s something about this track which in some ways, harks back to the grunge period of the 90’s, whilst still managing to sound fresh at the same time. Continuing the progression of the laid back yet bass heavy undertones of the record, this is a straight up example of how the band have taken their influences and crafted their own sound out of them.
Hurry Up once again manages to change the style of progression slightly, this time kicking off with a more raucous guitar tone that sets an upbeat pace to accompany the melodic tones of the band. Powerful yet accessible throughout, this track screams of single potential, the sort of thing that people will get onto , want to hear more of and will get some serious radio attention for the band. Fall Tonight matches this once again, somehow combining chunky guitar riffs into a dark yet laid back melee of melodic hooks. The soaring lead line which leads us into things sets the dark tone of the track whilst the vocals add in that uplifting approach that makes the music so catchy, once again showing who we’re listening to but displaying the diversity within their repertoire. Standing out as another high point on the record for sure, this is one to make sure you check out as and when you get a chance.
Working through Worn Down, The Right Idea, Every Single Day and Debauchery On Bradford St. each track continues to show off the style of Jealous Creatures, each one coming as an insight into their musical influences, whilst still showing off their ability to craft catchy and uplifting tracks. It’s when Something’s Out There comes around though that in my opinion, we reach the pinnacle of the album. Sludgy guitar work combines with sultry vocals to form a sound which is dark, distorted, hard hitting and powerful, yet melodic at the same time. Chunky guitars work with the bass heavy backing forming a sound which is accessible yet powerful throughout, the sort of thing which is going to go down a storm on the live scene for sure. Heavy without being over the top and packing enough punch to sit you on your ass and force you to listen, this moment on the album stands out for all the right reasons, and is a track that I know I’ll be coming back to time and time again.
Closing with So You’re Leaving Now we’re left on one final laid back moment, the vibe of the track turning to an almost laid back soulful approach which closes on a chilled out note. Soft vocals work with the soft backing melodies to form a sound that’s sure to lure you in, give you chills and leave you wanting more, a solid close to a solid album.
I remember when Babyface reviewed Jealous Creatures last time he said how impressed he was, and based on what I’ve just heard of things I’m inclined to agree with him. This is an album which moves through different moods as it progresses, roving from in your face and powerful at one moment through to laid back and soothing at another, there’s twists, turns and surprises around every corner, surely presenting us with an album that is going to be returned to time and time again.
To find out more about Jealous Creatures, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Kicking proceedings off with At The Time things get off to a soothing start, a soft acoustic guitar line paving the way into things before ushering in the soft and melodic female vocal lines. Melodic and catchy from the word go, this is a mix which is what it is, not trying to be anything other than straight down the line music designed to penetrate deep into your soul and lift you from whatever issues you’re facing at the time. Melodic and catchy throughout, the opening moments of this album suggest good things for sure, immediately suggesting that we’re in for a treat with this record. Painful To See continues to push the boundaries of the record, lifting the tone upwards ever so slightly whilst still managing to keep that laid back and catchy approach at the forefront of what’s going on. Packing quite a punch on top of the melody, there’s something about this track which in some ways, harks back to the grunge period of the 90’s, whilst still managing to sound fresh at the same time. Continuing the progression of the laid back yet bass heavy undertones of the record, this is a straight up example of how the band have taken their influences and crafted their own sound out of them.
Hurry Up once again manages to change the style of progression slightly, this time kicking off with a more raucous guitar tone that sets an upbeat pace to accompany the melodic tones of the band. Powerful yet accessible throughout, this track screams of single potential, the sort of thing that people will get onto , want to hear more of and will get some serious radio attention for the band. Fall Tonight matches this once again, somehow combining chunky guitar riffs into a dark yet laid back melee of melodic hooks. The soaring lead line which leads us into things sets the dark tone of the track whilst the vocals add in that uplifting approach that makes the music so catchy, once again showing who we’re listening to but displaying the diversity within their repertoire. Standing out as another high point on the record for sure, this is one to make sure you check out as and when you get a chance.
Working through Worn Down, The Right Idea, Every Single Day and Debauchery On Bradford St. each track continues to show off the style of Jealous Creatures, each one coming as an insight into their musical influences, whilst still showing off their ability to craft catchy and uplifting tracks. It’s when Something’s Out There comes around though that in my opinion, we reach the pinnacle of the album. Sludgy guitar work combines with sultry vocals to form a sound which is dark, distorted, hard hitting and powerful, yet melodic at the same time. Chunky guitars work with the bass heavy backing forming a sound which is accessible yet powerful throughout, the sort of thing which is going to go down a storm on the live scene for sure. Heavy without being over the top and packing enough punch to sit you on your ass and force you to listen, this moment on the album stands out for all the right reasons, and is a track that I know I’ll be coming back to time and time again.
Closing with So You’re Leaving Now we’re left on one final laid back moment, the vibe of the track turning to an almost laid back soulful approach which closes on a chilled out note. Soft vocals work with the soft backing melodies to form a sound that’s sure to lure you in, give you chills and leave you wanting more, a solid close to a solid album.
I remember when Babyface reviewed Jealous Creatures last time he said how impressed he was, and based on what I’ve just heard of things I’m inclined to agree with him. This is an album which moves through different moods as it progresses, roving from in your face and powerful at one moment through to laid back and soothing at another, there’s twists, turns and surprises around every corner, surely presenting us with an album that is going to be returned to time and time again.
To find out more about Jealous Creatures, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Jealous Creatures
Houston, Texas is the setting. A female fronted, five piece band is the lure and an album consisting of elegance and promise is the prize. The band has been compared as a mash up of Frank Black, PJ Harvey and Queens Of The Stone Age. Quite a nice cocktail of artists don't you think?
After checking out their tracks it would be pointless to sum up all twelve individually. There would be far too much to say with only a limited space to say it all. Going through the list song by song it was evident that there’s a plan of action going on here and nothing is going to stand in their way. The riffs on offer in the majority of the tracks are really catchy and upbeat. The distorted nature gives off an impressive aura, keeping you indulged and left wanting more.
For example track eight - Just A Memory builds up and up gradually, the increase of tempo works well leaving you with a punchy, purposeful riff that made me want to get in my car and just drive.
The vocals throughout every track are immense, they are soft and mesmerizing. I would go as far as to say they are the driving force behind my likening for the band. They are unlike anything I have heard on this scene for a while, which means it can only be a good thing! I could sit on a beach with these tracks and get lost in my own chaotic mind.
Anywhere With You epitomizes this; the lyrics caress your mind, toying with you at first before allowing the subtle, soothing nature of the vocals to imprint. Although the vocals are fairly similar in the tracks, I was constantly surprised by the way they are presented and applied to each track.
I would class the band as kinda melodic rock, there isn't anything here that’s going to blow you away in the sense of gut wrenching riffs and soaring vocals. It's all pretty chilled out with the exception of the tempo which at times is fairly frantic. The drum beats are fairly prominent but again they won't knock you off your feet, however I still believe there’s something about this band that will interest most rock lovers. Don't get me wrong, I’m not slating the guys, far from it! I think they are putting out a sound a little different too much around at the moment and they pull it off superbly. They do the simple things well and from what I can see don't over complicate things, therefore leaving us with this incredible album.
To find out more about Jealous Creatures, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Aaron Hawken
After checking out their tracks it would be pointless to sum up all twelve individually. There would be far too much to say with only a limited space to say it all. Going through the list song by song it was evident that there’s a plan of action going on here and nothing is going to stand in their way. The riffs on offer in the majority of the tracks are really catchy and upbeat. The distorted nature gives off an impressive aura, keeping you indulged and left wanting more.
For example track eight - Just A Memory builds up and up gradually, the increase of tempo works well leaving you with a punchy, purposeful riff that made me want to get in my car and just drive.
The vocals throughout every track are immense, they are soft and mesmerizing. I would go as far as to say they are the driving force behind my likening for the band. They are unlike anything I have heard on this scene for a while, which means it can only be a good thing! I could sit on a beach with these tracks and get lost in my own chaotic mind.
Anywhere With You epitomizes this; the lyrics caress your mind, toying with you at first before allowing the subtle, soothing nature of the vocals to imprint. Although the vocals are fairly similar in the tracks, I was constantly surprised by the way they are presented and applied to each track.
I would class the band as kinda melodic rock, there isn't anything here that’s going to blow you away in the sense of gut wrenching riffs and soaring vocals. It's all pretty chilled out with the exception of the tempo which at times is fairly frantic. The drum beats are fairly prominent but again they won't knock you off your feet, however I still believe there’s something about this band that will interest most rock lovers. Don't get me wrong, I’m not slating the guys, far from it! I think they are putting out a sound a little different too much around at the moment and they pull it off superbly. They do the simple things well and from what I can see don't over complicate things, therefore leaving us with this incredible album.
To find out more about Jealous Creatures, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Aaron Hawken