Rating: 8.6
Label: Mom & Pop Music
Release Date: April 3, 2012
It doesn’t take long to figure out what Australian indie-pop outfit The Jezabels are trying to do on their debut album Prisoner. Behind the sultry voice of lead singer Hayley Mary, The Jezabels have staked their ground as a group seeking to do big things. Indeed, Prisoner is rich in texture, offering a big sound, anthemic choruses, and a wall of guitars. It’s as if Tori Amos decided to collaborate with U2, and they brought in Phil Spector to run the boards. At times you’ll hear echoes of the 90s, and at others, hints of 80s new-wave (a la’ M83). But, if I have one complaint, it’s that the album lacks focus. Clocking in at just under an hour, Prisoner is a little long in the tooth. What’s more, the shimmery guitars alongside Mary’s vocals are front and center on every song, thus making the album sound less dynamic. Still, the highs greatly outweigh the lows, making Prisoner one of the year’s best thus far.
Select Cuts: Endless Summer, Trycolour, Rosebud, Horsehead
I think you are undervaluing the album even with an 8.6 rating. This is grabbing me like that Beach House album did a few years back and I thought you under-rated it, but ratings are really hard to give after only a few listens. This stuff is right up my alley though.
You know, I was just listening to it again today and I think you’re right. A couple of songs have grown on me more so I may adjust!