CD Review

I think being young, dark and brooding is actually an occupation in Ireland. If so, the band JJ72 are master craftsmen.

In the same tradition as U2, the Cranberries and even early Van Morrison, this trio from Northern Dublin creates an atmosphere where turmoil and tranquility are in constant conflict.

I was scared; I was contented; I was mystified.

The album starts with the ethereal “October Swimmer.” It moves between the sound of soft acoustic guitar to the punches of drums and synths to create movements within the song. This movement effect also occurs on the angelic “Snow” and the dark “Bumble Bee.”

Most of the songs, however, don’t need movements to convey intensity. On “Broken Down,” it is just vocals and guitar, and yet it is the most macabre song I’ve ever heard. Amidst all the dark intensity, there is a softer side. The ballads “Willows” and “Not Like You” offer perfect interludes between the force of the other songs.

Placed perfectly in the middle is “Long Way South,” a song that really doesn’t fit with the others. It has electronic drumbeats and synths, a fast tempo and is even less than three minutes! At the same time, the words describe a love only in some kind of Edgar Allen Poe story.

It is like some strange attempt to make a pop song while still keeping with the mood of the album. It failed majestically.

Upon first hearing this album, you might think the vocalist is female; but you would be wrong. Instead, it is the haunting falsetto voice of Mark Greaney.

It is so high, it almost sounds as though he’s shrieking through most of the songs, adding more to the feel of the album than anything else. And yet, there is a quiver in his voice that conveys more vulnerability than more could express.

This is especially the case in “Willow,” where his voice flies about the room like some sort of apparition sprung from its slumber.

Be forewarned: this is album is quite hard to swallow. I would find it hard to believe that anyone would play JJ72 at a party, unless they want everyone to sober up quickly. But given the right atmosphere, the music can be downright magical- this meaning alone and in the dark. I would say fans of the early works of the Cranberries and U2 would like this album, as well the weekend goth-rocker looking for the passion without the makeup.