_Bluejuice - Company (18/12/2011)
__
Those crazy Bluejuice
boys are back and they’ve packed their latest batch of shenanigans and
hyperactivity onto one shiny disc. The band have hit their stride of late and
are showing a sense of maturity amongst the mischief on their latest album ‘Company’.
For anyone who has followed Bluejuice from their beginnings, the metamorphosis from their casual humorous musical stylings, to a band who are taking themselves a little more seriously is clear. This doesn’t mean however, that any of their characteristic charm or ability to poke fun at themselves has faded. On the contrary, it seems these fellows are more outspoken than ever.
The first track ‘Can’t Keep Up’ is bursting to the seams with high energy electro pop. The song is apparently based on the band’s jealousy of The Jezabels success whilst touring with them. The funky piano melody merges with some of the best vocal harmonies I’ve heard from the guys, inspiring air drumming and head bopping. A touch of church organ and strategically placed hand claps add chunkiness and vibrancy to the song.
‘Act Yr Age’ has been on regular airplay and was co-written by the very talented Alex Burnett, lead singer for outfit Sparkadia. Alex has been lending his creative influence to an increasing number of musicians with great success, and this song is no exception. This track’s controversial film clip, where Jake locks lips with a much older lady, has shocked a lot of folks as well as sent many more into riotous fits of giggles (myself included). The eltonesque piano line stands out and is combined with a playful beat and a hint of strings for dramatic effect.
‘You Haven’t Changed’ is very 80’s pop rock, the sampling in this song definitely brings back memories and reminds me of cult classics like ‘The Breakfast Club’. ‘Cheap Trix’ is another standout high energy track, sporting a techno raver vibe, which makes it perfect for hot sweaty dancefloors everywhere. Well written lyrics like, ‘She’s painted black and immaculate / the day dreams bite til I bleed’, meld contently into the music. ‘I’ll Put You On’ is a classic funk track laden with sexual innuendo and conjures up images of Isaac Hayes (Shaft! Can you dig it?).
Further along the list is ‘The Recession’, a bold song with a big band sound accentuated by horns. The lyrics cheekily suggest that an economic downturn is a perfectly good reason to drop your girlfriend. This is followed by heartfelt sincerity on another stand out track ‘On My Own’, which was co-written by Julian Hamilton of The Presets, a long time dream of the band’s come true. This and ‘Aspen, New York’ both deal with loneliness, separation and the realities of a constantly changing world. Whilst the music is uplifting, there is a sombre undertone which adds a lot of depth. ‘Dressed for Success’ and ‘Kindaevil’, round off the infectious edgy pop that runs rampant throughout the album.
‘Company’ has had a lot of hard work, thought and love put into it and I think listeners will really appreciate its energetic paces and retro influences. Bluejuice have taken generous helpings of rnb, funk, electronica, pop and rock and mashed it all up to create a tasty treat that will surely be enjoyed by all.
Nazia Hafiz
For anyone who has followed Bluejuice from their beginnings, the metamorphosis from their casual humorous musical stylings, to a band who are taking themselves a little more seriously is clear. This doesn’t mean however, that any of their characteristic charm or ability to poke fun at themselves has faded. On the contrary, it seems these fellows are more outspoken than ever.
The first track ‘Can’t Keep Up’ is bursting to the seams with high energy electro pop. The song is apparently based on the band’s jealousy of The Jezabels success whilst touring with them. The funky piano melody merges with some of the best vocal harmonies I’ve heard from the guys, inspiring air drumming and head bopping. A touch of church organ and strategically placed hand claps add chunkiness and vibrancy to the song.
‘Act Yr Age’ has been on regular airplay and was co-written by the very talented Alex Burnett, lead singer for outfit Sparkadia. Alex has been lending his creative influence to an increasing number of musicians with great success, and this song is no exception. This track’s controversial film clip, where Jake locks lips with a much older lady, has shocked a lot of folks as well as sent many more into riotous fits of giggles (myself included). The eltonesque piano line stands out and is combined with a playful beat and a hint of strings for dramatic effect.
‘You Haven’t Changed’ is very 80’s pop rock, the sampling in this song definitely brings back memories and reminds me of cult classics like ‘The Breakfast Club’. ‘Cheap Trix’ is another standout high energy track, sporting a techno raver vibe, which makes it perfect for hot sweaty dancefloors everywhere. Well written lyrics like, ‘She’s painted black and immaculate / the day dreams bite til I bleed’, meld contently into the music. ‘I’ll Put You On’ is a classic funk track laden with sexual innuendo and conjures up images of Isaac Hayes (Shaft! Can you dig it?).
Further along the list is ‘The Recession’, a bold song with a big band sound accentuated by horns. The lyrics cheekily suggest that an economic downturn is a perfectly good reason to drop your girlfriend. This is followed by heartfelt sincerity on another stand out track ‘On My Own’, which was co-written by Julian Hamilton of The Presets, a long time dream of the band’s come true. This and ‘Aspen, New York’ both deal with loneliness, separation and the realities of a constantly changing world. Whilst the music is uplifting, there is a sombre undertone which adds a lot of depth. ‘Dressed for Success’ and ‘Kindaevil’, round off the infectious edgy pop that runs rampant throughout the album.
‘Company’ has had a lot of hard work, thought and love put into it and I think listeners will really appreciate its energetic paces and retro influences. Bluejuice have taken generous helpings of rnb, funk, electronica, pop and rock and mashed it all up to create a tasty treat that will surely be enjoyed by all.
Nazia Hafiz