Search - Jolene :: The Pretty Dive

Jolene's fourth album - The Pretty Dive

mrspotteruk | United Kingdom | 01/22/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"After the raw, more acoustic sound of their previous album, 'Antic Ocean', this album returns to something closer to that of 'In the Gloaming'. In particular, 'Break' is in much the same vein as the earlier album, and is one of the best tracks. However, Jolene seem to have strayed away from their alt-country roots a little. Although there's the odd track that smacks of their old, very country based style, most noticeably 'New Refrain Detritus', there's definitely a shift towards a more modern type of rock. And it's surprising to find a few new beats which Jolene appear to have brought in under more studio sounding electrical instrumentation in order to give the album a more main stream feel. 'Discoteque' is a good example, and yet it works well.Among the other better tracks are: 'Me Again', jangly and quietly catchy, and 'Shiny Tongue' slightly rockier and strangely familiar sounding.The whining guitars and Crooke's vocals make 'The Pretty Dive' instantly recognisable to fans as Jolene's work. The lyrics remain as mournful and miscellaneous as ever, but there is the hint that Jolene are trying to do something a little more contemporary here. The question is, will it boost their appeal amongst the masses? Unfortunately, I think not, hence the three stars. All things considered though, this is an excellent offering from the little known American quintet, and shouldn't fail to please."