JUNIP: ALTERNATIVE ROCK GROUP
Junip , is an alternative soft rock group from Sweden, who just released their latest EP this week IN EVERY DIRECTION (2/22/2011).
The group consists of Elias Araya, drums, Tobias Winterhon, organ & synth and Jose Gonzalez, guitar and vocals. A diverse group with varying backgrounds, as Jose is of Argentine decent, born in Sweden, with Latin folk music exposure, and Araya’s mother from Ethiopia exposed him to the repetitive Afro-beats, which they have incorporated into their sound. Jose & Elias have been together since they were 14 years old.
The overall effect is a pleasing hushed rock in a mellow lo-fi spectrum. They refer to their music as hazy, organic, melodic & hypnotic with the unconventional blend of influences. It is almost as if they were singing in a tunnel and sound echo’s back, but in a soft subtle hushed tone.
They have one previous studio album FIELDS, 2010, and two previous releases of EPs BLACK REFUGE, 2005 & ROPE & SUMMIT, 2010.
Jose Gonzalez, has two solo albums previously in 2003 VENEER, and 2007 IN OUR NATURE . His delicately sung tones & mysterious lyricism, make him matchless in the age of loud and over produced sounds of today.
It is hard to tell how they will fare in the US with their soft sound. The sound is not big enough to get the attention of the media, and is not unique to the US. The sound has been done before, but they have a little different spin on it with the diversity they bring. If you were asked if you would take it or leave it, you would probably leave it. The niche for them may be limited to a short period of time before moving to something else. Call it trendy for the moment.
Tunedin4U.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment