Jensen
We were recently put onto Leeds based band Jensen, and their EP Zero One. This three piece don’t give a lot away about themselves or their music, and in these situations I tend to find that it’s best just to let the music do the talking. As such, I hit play on the EP to see what was on offer.
Opening with Ghosts we’re launched into a chaotic mix of bass heavy elements, paving the way for the vocals to signal the beginning of the track properly. Pushing through bass heavy rhythms and raw vocals, the track manages to adopt a sound which is both raw and in your face, and melodic at the same time – a clever mix for sure. Treading somewhere along the thin line between drum and bass with a metal edge, the sound which we’re left with is one which is upbeat yet dark, ominous yet uplifting, and somehow mainstream without being pop orientated – a mix which is sure to appeal to a variety of different fans.
The Corruptor follows much the same sort of conventions, once again using the sludgy and effect laden guitars to kick things into being before the vocals are ushered in. The mix on offer here is almost like an updated version of Nine Inch Nails, with pained screams matching the chaotic backing music and keeping things firmly rooted in the world of distortion. Powerful and raw from start to finish, this is a track which somehow sounds heavy without actually being over the top, something which will connect with fans of dark drum and bass style stuff, fans of metal, and fans of more popular stuff equally.
Closing with Stars things finish on a far more accessible note, almost like saving their most ‘easy going’ track for the closing moments here. Soaring vocals lead the way into the track before the whole mix is bolstered by hammering synth and powerful bass rhythms, resulting in a sound which is deep, in your face and packed with elements from start to finish. Possibly my personal favourite moments off of the EP, the final track may well signal the end of Zero One, but signals the beginning of the next chapter for Jensen.
I really like the mix that Jensen have gone for here as it seems to combine the key elements of drum and bass with a real sense of distortion and aggression. Each track on offer here acts as a showcase of the abilities of the band, showing that it is possible to combine styles, differentiate tracks, and still come out with a coherent sounding EP. Definitely a band to check out when you get a chance.
To find out more about Jensen, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Image - Kaboom Images - check them out HERE
Words: Dave Nicholls
Opening with Ghosts we’re launched into a chaotic mix of bass heavy elements, paving the way for the vocals to signal the beginning of the track properly. Pushing through bass heavy rhythms and raw vocals, the track manages to adopt a sound which is both raw and in your face, and melodic at the same time – a clever mix for sure. Treading somewhere along the thin line between drum and bass with a metal edge, the sound which we’re left with is one which is upbeat yet dark, ominous yet uplifting, and somehow mainstream without being pop orientated – a mix which is sure to appeal to a variety of different fans.
The Corruptor follows much the same sort of conventions, once again using the sludgy and effect laden guitars to kick things into being before the vocals are ushered in. The mix on offer here is almost like an updated version of Nine Inch Nails, with pained screams matching the chaotic backing music and keeping things firmly rooted in the world of distortion. Powerful and raw from start to finish, this is a track which somehow sounds heavy without actually being over the top, something which will connect with fans of dark drum and bass style stuff, fans of metal, and fans of more popular stuff equally.
Closing with Stars things finish on a far more accessible note, almost like saving their most ‘easy going’ track for the closing moments here. Soaring vocals lead the way into the track before the whole mix is bolstered by hammering synth and powerful bass rhythms, resulting in a sound which is deep, in your face and packed with elements from start to finish. Possibly my personal favourite moments off of the EP, the final track may well signal the end of Zero One, but signals the beginning of the next chapter for Jensen.
I really like the mix that Jensen have gone for here as it seems to combine the key elements of drum and bass with a real sense of distortion and aggression. Each track on offer here acts as a showcase of the abilities of the band, showing that it is possible to combine styles, differentiate tracks, and still come out with a coherent sounding EP. Definitely a band to check out when you get a chance.
To find out more about Jensen, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Image - Kaboom Images - check them out HERE
Words: Dave Nicholls