Sydney four-piece The Jezabels have progressed in leaps and bounds following their 2007 debut. With four awards under their belt, the band has enthralled listeners with innovative soundscapes and lyrical prowess. Weaving between different genres their latest release, SYNTHIA is a product of stunning composition and production. A cohesive body of work, each track maintains individuality through variants in pitch and intensity.
SYNTHIA is a maturation of gender ideals that have been apart of the bands philosophy from the very beginning. The album is stripped clean of poetic ambiguity, embarking on a poignant and honest narrative that contemplates what it is like to be a woman. Experimental synth peppers the ten-track list with luminous tremors and intriguing melodies. Infused with rich bass-y undertones, vigorous percussion and time shifting electronic strings The Jezabels have hit gold.
Leading track “Stand and Deliver” generates ethereal ambiance in a dream like extended introduction. Nostalgic croons resonate over electronic burbles, notions of an unjust reality delivered in evocative wails. “My Love Is My Disease” emits a distinctly synth rock vibe, enigmatic glitches a source of curiosity and rhythm. Electric twangs melt into a fury of beating drums and anguished cries.
“Pleasure Drive” quickly establishes a heady swing, layering fragmented electro bleeps beneath fat strums of the bass guitar. Percussive crashes inflect pounding drums while lush vocals fluctuate in articulation, potent in their raw exploration of sexual liberation and desire. In contrast, “Flowers In The Attic” is a slow and temporal track. Soothing murmurs glide between delicate keys and sweet vibrations of the electric guitar.
A celebration of progression, SYNTHIA is a ten-part chronicle that dips into the profound emotions that are worn and felt by women. Electronic experimentation evokes mystery and displacement only to evolve into transcendent and shimmering calm. Dynamic vocals shift effortlessly from honeyed lilts to yearning cries. A product of The Jezabels’ captivating musical intelligence, SYNTHIA is a multifaceted album that could not be more time appropriate.
Review Score: 8.5 out of 10.
Synthia is released on February 12th.
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