New Music: Jezabels’ Dark Storm
Welcome the final instalment of the trilogy that is the Jezabels’ EP releases, Dark Storm (following on from the releases The Man Is Dead and She’s So Hard). Having started this trilogy in late 2009, much has happened and changed, but this band has a solid standing and with each release they are securing their permanent stance in the Aussie music scene just a little more.
The EP is just as nostalgic, dramatic and reminiscent of a movie soundtrack as the last two releases, in the way that you could be staring longingly out of a train’s window as it races past the countryside. Sigh. It’s also fantastic to know that these feelings and atmospheres are somehow translated into their live show. If you have yet to check them out live, you should do it sooner rather than later, that’s for sure.
The title track of the release, Dark Storm is a dark and brooding song, with emphasis on the natural sounds of the keys and drums, as well as vocalist Hayley Mary’s always-haunting voice. The song crescendos and decrescendos much like a storm, until it reaches a point and fades away to nothing… or at least into the second track, Mace Spray. Hitting sweet soprano highs in the chorus, this track is just as beautiful as the first, and shows a true connection that runs through the entire EP.
Track 3, Sahara Mahala is a slightly more folky track, with Mary’s vocals in parts becoming more of an equal instrument rather than the main attraction to the song. The next track is more of a slow-dance style, a gentle rock to sleep kind of motion, with guitars playing more of a role than keys for a change. It is at this time that you begin to recognise the rhythms that Nik Kaloper hits on the drums that makes this band’s sound come together so distinctly.
The final track, She’s So Hard is probably the most saddening and emotionally desperate track on the release. Mary’s vocals really suit this style perfectly, as every note is hit with emotion and energy that brings the tears a-welling.
Yep. Overall, a very pleasing release. I can’t want to catch these guys live again soon.