Opiate Sun
M. R. Golde | 11/24/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I wonder why when I read the initial reviews why I even bothered to read them in the first place. First of all, before we get into my opinions let me first state the facts of the record. First and foremost this is the first record of Jesu to not feature any of the industrial over tones like programmed drums, programmed synths, processed vocals (IE Vocoders), & samples. This- besides Infinity- is one of the first records to feature Justin using a mic'd amp instead of simulated amp modelers. There is also a bit of a bold approach to vocal melody- never has Broadrick tried to capture beautiful vocal melodies and harmonies so much throughout a whole disc. Some might not agree- there are moments on the self titled and perhaps on silver & conqueror where broadrick discovers 'pop' vocal melodies- but never so heartfelt than on this disc & throughout. So I guess in this sense- i fail to see why some critics panned this as 'nothing new, expected more from the mastermind' to paraphrase. First- it's the critics themselves who are often to blame for their preconcieved notions- to put someone on such a high pedistool and then knock the same guy down because he doesn't meet up with their often unrealistic expectations is not only non valid but harmful to potential onlookers. Especially- when it's not often the record they are reviewing but rather the progress they feel he should be making. It's important to judge the record thusly- not on what isn't there but rather what is there...
The first opener "losing streak" is the strongest in terms of melody and sheer mood. One thing present based on fact is this is indeed an organic record- not relying on electronics but on it's humanity. And rather it's emotional vocalizations clouded perhaps by the overwhelmingly heavy guitars. I only wish that the vocals were a tad bit lounder since Broadrick's voice has indeed improved since the days of Godflesh. "Opiate Sun" is another exercise of a strong vocal melody with minimal guitar riffing- and somewhat less of a song than an idea expressed in 7+ minutes. IT has a strong verse without a memorable chorus. "deflated" was the first track that I actually heard on this disc and is a fine example of Justin's songwriting strengths. The vocals sound surprisingly confident and more upfront in the mix. The actual structure feels more conventional but not exactly normal- since the latter half is more instrumental & resembles something like "She's so heavy" by the beatles but obviously more menacing. The last remaining track "Morning light" is something of a grower and feels slightly out of place on the disc. For one- it sounds like something that would have better represented on the s/t disc. The droning guitar and plodding tempo that barely registers as a weak pulse- before going into something of mid pace groove with a guitar lead that sounds like something resembling a synth. The song reminds me alot of "white flag" from Justin's previous guitar-oriented band Godflesh.
Overall- its the monster guitar, the organic elements, and the melodious tendencies of vocals and lead instruments that make this record a tad more ambitious than previous. My only problem is I wish Broadrick explored his melodic avenues more- like for example turning up his damn vocals so you can actually hear a bit better the vocal melodies therein...Overall- a disc that the Jesu kids will get it and might turns heads to those into heavier sides of indie music- the only thing that might not be favorable with some are the slow tempos...but no one said this guy was normal either. Enjoyable disc."
More Jesu goodness
Michael Bombard | Hartselle, AL | 11/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am astounded at the quality and quantity of Justin K Broadrick's output. Release product every 9 months give or take, whether it be a 4 song EP, 1 very long song, or a full length. Other bands need to take notice as this is how it should be. Release a new CD once every 3 years? LAZY! However, I am struggling to keep up. There are a couple 7" and imports I hope gets re-released on CD stateside. The last songs I've heard from Jesu where ones off the Envy split re-released by Hydra Head, and the songs found on Opiate Sun definitely have a different sound than those 2 tracks. You'll find Broadrick pulling back the reins on the electronic stuff, creating a raw, almost live-sounding recording. Parts remind me of the sludgy guitars from the self titled album. That being said, "Deflated" is probably the poppiest I've heard him get.
Hey, if you're a Jesu fan, you've already added this to your cart. At this point, I feel Jesu can do no wrong."
