When Irish band JJ72 made their debut in 2000 they were touted as the next big thing. Sweeping melodies, coy vocals, and charming arrangements made the young trio weaned on Suede, Joy Division, and Nirvana something outstanding and interesting. The band's debut lived up to the hype and yielded hits across Britain in the form of songs like Oxygen, October Swimmer, Snow and Algeria.
Despite the success in Great Britain, JJ72 never successfully made the trek across the Atlantic. Vocalist (and guitarist) Mark Greaney has wields one of the meanest falsettos in modern pop and can pen a fabulous pop track, but there is little doubt that JJ72's music isn't what Americans want on radio or MTV. No matter--Greaney, drummer Fergal Matthews, and bassist Hilary Woods continued to make music and tour and release singles (a common trait among thriving pop bands across the great pond).
Despite the relative unlikelihood that JJ72 would ever get any stateside attention, their successful debut and subsequent second release I To Sky (2002, Lakota) did both find distribution. The two albums, while both good, are completely different. The first was magical in its rich layers and crystalline production. I To Sky on the other hand is markedly darker, louder, and just plain different. This direction was obviously conscious, though it was also helped along significantly by producer Flood (U2, Erasure, Depeche Mode). It is a brave thing for a young band to spread their wings so widely.
The drastic change in musical direction could have just as easily failed as succeeded. Any conservative Las Vegas gambler would put their money on the faithful old "sophomore slump" phenomenon. JJ72 proved the naysayers wrong and game out swinging with I To Sky. It's not as immediately beautiful or whimsical nor is it seamless, but I can't help but find joy in the band's interesting new style. You can easily hear the musical influences infused in the music. In particular, Suede and Joy Division are referenced but JJ72 doesn't attempt to mimic their idols note for note. I To Sky is in the end a rousing, intelligent, intricate pop album that is more timeless than their debut in many ways.
I'm challenged by I To Sky. Greaney 's voice is unexpectedly feminine (even more so than previously). It is an acquired taste. If you can't handle lilting vocals and falsettos, may I suggest you not check out anything from JJ72. If you can get past that, you'll be overjoyed by what you find on this album. Serpent Sky, Formulae, I Saw a Prayer, and Brother Sleep are my favorite tracks but I love listening to the entire album from start to finish. There's not a weak song in the bunch.
Nameless kicks things off, but the album doesn't become intriguing until the second song. Formulae was released as a single for good reason. It is a quirky, appealing track with a gorgeous melody. Greaney sounds magnificent and his voice soars above the electric guitars and drums. It's the kind of song that never was cool and as such can never be dated. It is timeless and wonderful. I Saw a Prayer is a carefree, summery tune. It makes me smile--something that happens all too rarely with music. I don't really care (much) about what is being said. It's all about the glorious melody.
The song that most appeals to me is Serpent Sky. Ever hear a young man emulate Grace Slick? Ever think you would? Probably not, but on this song the Irishman does a fantastic job. Acoustic guitars paired with bombastic drums are the perfect compliment to Greaney's open-throated delivery. He wails beautifully. Sure, the lyrics are some of the most meaningless of the record but any band that can hide that fact and put the emphasis on the actual music excels at their craft.
Brother Sleep is the final top tier song. A light, acoustic offering it is honest and evocative. I am genuinely impressed by the track. There are many other things I like about I To Sky. From Always and Forever to 7th Wave and from Glimmer to Half Three it is a magnificent effort.
I'm not sure I know anything more about JJ72 after hearing this album than I did before, but what I do understand is that the trio had a magical chemistry. It's an experimental record that could have really isolated previous fans. Instead I think it just shed new light on to the actual songs. I To Sky may or may not be better than the band's debut. It's all a matter of perception. If you grew tired of the band taking themselves too seriously on their debut then I To Sky is a step in the right direction. If you wanted them to just rock out occasionally, then it too is a step in the right direction. I can't imagine not liking this 2002 release. Just don't go into it expecting the same old JJ72.
Bassist Woods departed the band in 2003 after six years. She was replaced by Sarah Fox. The newly reformed trio is expecting to release a third album in Spring 2005. I'm crossing my fingers for another miracle.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Nameless
02. Formulae
03. I Saw a Prayer
04. Serpent Sky
05. Always and Forever
06. Brother Sleep
07. Sinking
08. 7th Wave
09. Half Three
10. Glimmer
11. City
12. Olche Mhalth
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