Acid Jazz (label)
27 February 2012 (released)
04 February 2012
Janice Graham Band (or JGB) are currently being punted as HMV’s Next Big Thing and on the basis of this album I can see why.
‘Thirty Pieces of Silver’ kicks off with a strident trumpet, stygian bass and some semi-psych effects as well as Sergio Leone style chorale and then ‘Hacienda’ slides in with more of the same before exploding with Joe Jones snarled and vicious vocals, heavily treated guitar – this music for the riots.
They are not nice songs here. The album is designed as (to quote the band) “It is ...... an album that pulls no punches lyrically or musically. The album follows the life of a central character, who is struggling to keep his head above the waters of sanity, who is struggling to keep his life within the constraints of an ideal England”
Tracks like ‘No Money Honey’ (the next single) or ‘Love Letters’ tell about real life relationships – failed attempts at love and relationships. ‘The Whistler’ is dark and heavy, ‘Front Door’ is all about paranoia and ‘Murder’ is as nasty and discomfort-making as ever.
Musically, they are really in a unique place: ska crossed with indie and psych but talented players and, from the evidence of seeing them at the Garage last year, really committed to the band.
They are fantastically exciting and with people like Mani, Clint Boom and John Kennedy singing their praises people will start to take notice.
.
Is it too soon to start talking about undercover album of the year?
