Jeniferever - Choose A Bright Morning

Post rock is, at its best (or even worst), one of the most evolutionary musical genres known to guitar-toting man, and probably its least plagiaristic. As much as there are clichés and stone-chiselled statutes, the things that make it recognisable, it is also by its very nature investigative and naturally expanding. And under those conditions, with the track times we’re talking especially, the personalities and aspirations of the contributors can’t help but be absorbed, leaving an inevitably unique musical fingerprint behind. Making the kind of mass derivative post-coital fumblings inspired by The Libertines et al’s successes practically impossible to achieve – which is a rare kind of reassurance. Certainly with those bands who do break the skin into the indie mainstream, it is with a fresh expression or distinctive outline that adds to existing norms. In this context Sweden’s Jeniferever arrive – most probably in a magnificent ship, we really do hope they arrived in a grand ship – wielding white sorcery to gently re-stack the scenery and tweak the climate downwards in their favour. They are your new favourite band of epic composers and tread where others haven’t by holding their ornate flourishes of sound in check with a firm, icy grip reminiscent of much atmospheric 80s pop. Sigur Ros provide the most useful reference point, but strangely become less the focus the longer you live with the record. It is incredibly visual sounding music, with a vast awareness of space and an instinct that serves them well when choosing to stand resplendently motionless. But though it builds its own backdrops and sense of depth this is really a much more personal, closed record than any affiliation with the Icelandic wonders may lead you to believe. On ‘Swimming Eyes’ and especially the ascending climax of ‘Opposites Attract’ the swirling claustrophobia and Kristoffer Jonson’s wrought, overcome vocals lead straight to ‘Disintegration’ era The Cure and two of the best moments on the whole record. ‘The Sound Of Beating Wings’ reminds first of all, appropriately enough, of My Bloody Valentine, and then of Doves’ debut album, then perhaps Ultravox, before completely lifting off and leaving notable afterburn marks. ‘Magdeleno’ starts out with humble minor-keyed Mogwai paranoia before descending gloriously in the album’s only real cut-loose moment, sounding like Sonic Youth being obnoxious and a bit bloody indecent to the Dr Who theme tune. If you’re interested in the exact variety, and it’s one that holds its own amongst such company; Jeniferever – dry, exceptionally full-bodied and with a very dark hue indeed.

4/5

By James Berry
www.2-4-7-music.com