Album Review – The Jezabels – Prisoner – Released 5th March 2012
The Jezabels
Australian four-piece band The Jezebels are set to release their debut album Prisoner on Monday 5th March 2012. They are a shining example of the rise of the ‘self-made’ musician having spent a long time performing the indie circuit and collecting a huge fan base off their own management rather than depending on large labels to do it for them. Incidentally it is perhaps this ‘do-it-yourself’ type of attitude that has allowed The Jezebels to maintain and develop their genre-breaking distinctive sound.
The album itself is a sort of homage to musical expression, challenging the strict oppression of artistes bound to specific musical genres. It’s intense; if you’re looking for some happy-go-lucky bubble-gum pop then I’m afraid this isn’t for you. The sound is at times gothic, flitting between gloomy cathedral style bell tolls and haunting pipe organ. Front woman Hayley Mary’s voice has been likened to that of Kate Bush and there are definitely comparisons to be made both in the vocal performance and musical structure to that of Florence and The Machine.
Some tracks such as Austerlitz are more laid back, being purely instrumental and somewhat filmic. The band have an amazing ability to conjure up images while maintaining a free flowing atmosphere. The more melancholic tracks are balanced by a darker and more urgent sound. The track Deep Wide Ocean injects much needed rhythm and strength to the album. Endless Summer is perhaps one the more uplifting songs, being more up-tempo with a catchier hook than the more expressive movements.
For me the best track of the album is Nobody Nowhere. It really embraces the gothic vibes, bringing in rock influences to create a menacing strength that seems befitting of The Jezebels.
The Jezebels have an upcoming UK tour.
Dates below:
February 22nd, 2012 Koko London,UK - NME Awards show
February 23rd, 2012 The Temple Birmingham, UK
February 24th, 2012 Leadmill Sheffield, UK
February 26th, 2012 Oran Mor Glasgow, UK
February 27th, 2012 Electric Circus Edinburgh, UK
February 28th, 2012 Cluny Newcastle, UK
March 1st, 2012 Wardrobe Leeds, UK
March 2nd, 2012 Ruby Lounge Manchester, UK
March 3rd, 2012 Audio Brighton, UK
