J2 is the much-anticipated ambient musical exploration from singer/songwriter/performer JARBOE (ex-Swans) and JUSTIN K BROADRICK (Jesu, Godflesh), a collaboration fueled by a unique and diverse energy.
J2 is the much-anticipated ambient musical exploration from singer/songwriter/performer JARBOE (ex-Swans) and JUSTIN K BROADRICK (Jesu, Godflesh), a collaboration fueled by a unique and diverse energy.
CD Reviews
I have to admit...
R. Ealom | Denver,USA | 05/07/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have enjoyed much of Justins work, and I still do. The only reason I give this a 4 is because Justin stands out enough for me to accept this. I just can't wrap my head around Jarboe though. Let Go, Magick Girl, 8mmsweetbitter, and Tribal Limbo are great Justin and Jarboe tracks but the others are just all over the place. When he featured her on Lifeline EP that EP had nearly reached the pure beauty and craft of the Silver EP. I love the production of Broadrick on here I just wish there was more balance with Jarboe. Maybe its just that they are not meant to bring their two brilliant and unique styles together. Maybe this should have been purely instrumental because as a pianist Jarboe is wonderful and it is a great mixture with Justin's production style. Overall I have to say unless you are a huge fan of them both you may end up passing it up. I think I have a very wide taste in music but even I cant understand the random and awkward singing that occurs here."
Remember, It Doesn't Say Jesu
DirtEJay | DC Area | 06/10/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What you have here is a merger of biting talent and naked effort but on a truly massive musical and artistic scale tipping to extreme at various points throughout. Jarboe's acute uniqueness impacts the established audio blend of JKB and pushes it out of the Jesu orbital path. JKB in turn provides a planetary haven for Jarboe's wandering angelic hymns. A new sound and style not to be so readily embraced, but more appreciated as a early Picasso perhaps. Although seemingly erratic and gawky at times, the underlying potential is staring you back in the face daring you to play it again. Worthy of time & money. Not for Nascar fans .... & swallow your bubblegum!"
A Challenging and Rewarding Album
J. Lievano | Duluth, MN | 11/30/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was first introduced to Jarboe in the collaboration 'Storms Comin On' from the grand Lifeline EP, as is likely for many Broadrick fans. The difference of the song took some getting used to, but it became one of my favorites. Therefore I looked forward to this release with interest.
At first, I wasn't sure what to think, as this album couldn't really be labeled 'accessible'. As with the aforementioned track, it took a few listens and some time before I caught on to the album. Magicgrl seemed to be the most normal track, but I kind of shelved the album for a bit.
I've started listening to it again recently and it's all I've had on for a few days at least now.
There is a good bit of repetition, and some fairly crazy vocal histrionics. The talent of the two performers does shine through, and I must commend them for their bravery in not taking a beaten path! I'm really enjoying Let Go, Romp, and Magicgrl in particular.
This album is definitely worth having if you appreciate the finer details of music in general. It could be longer, I guess! I hope these two collaborate more in the future."
Acceptable
M. R. Golde | 11/21/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"First and foremost- I'm a fan of both artists. Jarboe (best knowned as a solo artist and work with the legendary SWANS) & Justin Broadrick (Jesu, Godflesh, Ice, God, Sweet Tooth, Techno Animal, Napalm Death etc) offer up 6 oddball soundscapes of mostly listenable experimentation. But, having said that just because it's listenable doesn't mean it necessarily capitivates me either. Songs like "Decay" are more like exercises in sonic experimentation. While "Let Go" is closer to what was heard on Jarboe's guest appearance on "Storm Comin'" on Jesu's Lifeline Ep. There's a part of me that wishes the remainder of the disc pointed in that direction sonically- instead it feels like endless drum loops with distorted synths and Jarboe's wailing over the top of the scapes. I can't necessarily say it's a highly recommended purchase. Rather- I'd say proceed with caution- keep in mind both of these artists have a history of abstractions. And this definetly fits in the avante catagory. If you want to hear greatness check out Jarboe's collaboration with Neurosis. Definetly more memorable than this..."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1