An unusual release this one. Jurojin see the musical talents of a rock singer, a classical Indian tabla player, a jazz bassist and a metal guitar player combining to create a sound that is, much as the press release claims, unique. Only two years old, Jurojin are already carving out a reputation for themselves on the live circuit and this rather short, but sweet offering will no doubt cement that reputation.
Opener ‘Ingress’ is an atmospheric instrumental that builds up to the heavy guitar of ‘the scars’ which is a fairly hefty rock track but which is the least inspirational of all the tracks here with its riffs harking back to the days of nu-metal and the vocal harmonies proving to be far from unique. However, the track is saved by some astounding bass playing and things take a turn for the better with ‘the liar’ which sees Jurojin flex their creative muscles and start to use their unusual components to their advantage. Kicking off with a heavy riff, the band take an abrupt turn into the left-field musically, and if the vocals are a little lack-lustre, the music is off-kilter enough to hold the attention. ‘Poem’ sees the band explore their strengths still further with a tabla/acoustic guitar intro that entices the listener in and here the vocals grate far less than they do on the more rock orientated tracks. Layers of harmony are added to the sound and it is one of the strongest tracks on the album simply because it realises the potential that the band so clearly possess. ‘The winter’ opens with a nice minor-key riff and, once again, the band sound far more comfortable than on the opening tracks.
‘The equinox’ incorporates the tabla once again with great effect and the build up is reminiscent of A Perfect Circle with the ominous bass, twisted guitars and menacing vocal all playing a part. It is the best track on the album by far and is well worth a listen if you want to see what this band is about. Final track, ‘the dreaming’ has a satisfyingly chunky central riff to it that reminds you that this is, after all, a rock band although the verse offers plenty of space for the fluid, jazzy bass runs to impress although the track is ultimately rather too light weight to sit comfortably with many metallers.
Jurojin are a special band, however they may want to reassess their marketing strategy. While there are heavy elements, it is on the opening tracks where the band sound least like themselves, offering up nothing that we haven’t heard over the turgid course of nu-metal. Far more interesting are the tracks when the band forget about airplay and accessibility and just do what they feel, employing their instruments well and utilising the vocalist’s strengths rather than highlighting his weaknesses. There is clearly talent here in abundance and the chance for Jurojin to truly become unique, and this is, without doubt, a debut release not without its charms. Check them out and expect big things in the future.
