Search - Jennifer Gentle :: Valende

Wacky Italian neo-psychedelic pop

Michael J. Rudnicki | Dallas, TX | 01/29/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"At times bizarre and experimental, at other times psychedelicly poppy, and at other times downright pretty. The singer has a very distinctive voice, sounding a little like Syd Barrett after having sucked helium. In fact, the whole thing has a very Syd Barrett/early Pink Floyd vibe. One of the more interesting things I've heard in awhile, if a bit derivative."

Buy this cd.

J. Klett | Philly, PA | 02/04/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a really. kazoos. fun, energy, this music gives you a high and makes you space into the land inside your head. Exploring the ocean waves and the fire your body lives on that scientests so easily call blood. Help yourself.

This song has a lot of qualities of Piper at the gates of dawn (Pink Floyd). 1/3 of album and last song. But it isn't all like that and it has some more relaxed songs as well with strange voices and what sounds like a harp and an acoustic guitar and a harp together- also a cymbal. Anyway I am rambling this is a really good cd. Listen to it twice before you judge."

Jennifers Infiltrate The Mainstream Shock!

C. Quinn | County Louth, Eire | 07/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is actually Jennifer Gentle's fourth album including a split CD with Kawabata Makoto of Acid Mothers Temple (that should warn you that jangly psych-pop is only part of their armoury). Their first, 'I Am You Are', was a deeply experimental affair, like a friendlier version of Wolf Eyes or Black Dice. The second, 'Funny Creatures Lane', was a brilliant collection of warped psychedelic melodies, like early Soft Machine setting Edward Gorey to music, topped off with a dash of Boredoms-style tribal chanting. Both those are hard to get, but were collected as 'Ectoplasmic Garden Party' by an Australian label I think.



'Valende' is initially a slight let-down for the established fan, with a straighter retro-pop style. Many reviews mention Syd Barrett but The Beatles' Lennon-led tracks are surely a bigger influence. The Jennifers often also sound uncannily like contemporary Scousers, Clinic. Disappointment is likely to give way to fascination on repeated listening, though; all their albums are growers, and there are enough exquisite touches, shifts of mood and flashes of wit to satisfy most listeners. I think the disappointment really stems from knowing that this band has a great, great album in it somewhere. Whether they'll find the sound they need -- their records all have very different production -- we can only hope.



Jennifer Gentle are well worth checking out -- also worth contacting them, as they are an extremely bright and friendly bunch. Heck, why not go and visit them -- Padua's a beautiful place."