Customer Reviews

Hologram Jams

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

As with the now defunct Blood Brothers, Johnny Whitney once again seems perfectly content to carve out his own niche based on a singular vision of progressing his own shrieking avante-guarde post-punk farther into indie/synth-pop territory. Where the Blood Brothers were floating between the hardcore and indie scenes, and unable to fully be cleared for landing among those fanbase, Jaguar Love boldly makes the decision to turn it's back on the so-called hardcore scene, and boldly venture forth into the land of drum-machine-rock.

With the huge influx of groups trying to incorporate 80's retro ideas into their music, it's no small feat the way Whitney's trademark howl completely lays to wake any notion of these two former Blood Brothers treading down any well worn paths whatsoever. For one thing, their Wiki page touts the influence of "baroque pop," which is a literal reference to the clavichord-driven music of the Baroque era. That is a seriously insane idea in modern music, to foster such an un-heard-of pre-20th century genre that has no clear connection to contemporary music whatsoever.

Mainly, the end result of Jaguar Love's insane mash of synthesizers, drum machines, post-punk angular guitar riffing, wailing and cooing vocal madness, is when it all comes together to sound sort of like Fugazi beating up Prince, or The Faint swallowing Iggy Pop. It seems to be mostly a war between punk and electro, except whole songs venture into completely uncharted territory altogether, where we get to see how odd and unique Whitney's vocal style truly is, as this duo attempt to shove that nasal-meets-falsetto vocal into segments of their sound that have a more traditional Western-pop chord structure.

Those who were not immediately turned off by Neon Blonde, will most likely at least give this album five listens before forming their opinion. However, this time Whitney seems to have completely thrown caution to the wind, abandoned the idea that any of these songs should sound like Blood Brother's leftovers, and amazingly managed to get the videos and singles into rotation in the indie rock outlets as a result. I would never guess that any of Whitney's projects would be opening for Nine Inch Nails or Minus the Bear, but this is a just reward for two musicians who have stuck to their guns since day one, paid their dues, and done everything based on sound ethics (even down to a bio-diesel tour bus, and printing all their shirts on American Apparel).

Bravo to these two for a major achievement. Give yourself some time to digest this, because this kind of music has never really been made before. There is nothing comfortable here, even though Whitney has written some of the strongest hooks of his life, resting atop a compositional pile of textures and tone colors. In a word, brilliant.

I wouldn't expect anything else from Johhny Whitney. It is super glammy, synthy and over the top. And yet it is really polished and amazing. Similar to the last album, but even more eccentric, and I think even better.

He also stays true to his Blood Brother roots. There is plenty of angsty, aggressive goodness on here. It is just more of a pop album.

Imagine you are at a dance party where in the final song, everyone's head simultaneously explodes. In a good way.

Johnny, you are the man. Keep it up......

I still remember the first time I heard Johney Whitney's vocals and thinking they were shrill, abrasive, and just plain annoying. But then I gave the whole CD a listen, and I haven't looked back since. It's definitely an acquired taste.

As for Jaguar Love, I like this second CD even more than their first. I think the new electronic-ish background music fits even better with Whitney. I'm sure the next CD will be completely different again, and I can't wait.

Favorite songs: I Started a Fire, Cherry Soda, Don't Die Alone, Evaline, and Jaguar Warriors

Today is the day! It's time to throw out all your old CD's and movies, because this album is all you need!!!