| One for Jude Figures |
Founded in 1999, French group One for Jude is clearly a band in transition. Their CD "Figures" is an uneven but promising disc which could be followed up by a giant leap forward or by a painful misstep. "inside" and "goodboy," re-recorded from an earlier 5-track disc, are standard alternative rock, competent and occasionally catchy but generally unspectacular. "Sonic" is equally accessible and equally generic, and it's possible that One for Jude's next album may move in this more commercial direction. I hope they don't: this kind of hipster power pop has been done to death already, and done better. (Although their accents definitely add a certain charming je ne sais quoi to the proceedings). Far more promising are their moodier, more atmospheric songs. The opening track, "helmet" has lyrics which remind me of Andre Breton. ("she was walking on rocks waving her arms like a symphony a new huntress a flying hair succession the fragrance of a boiling sea... " etc.) "refuge" features some gorgeous work from noted French accordionist Pierre Ribaute, and a great trumpet solo from Eric Roger (Sol Invictus, Orchestre Noir). Another standout, "Consolation," has some of the best vocals on the CD. And that brings us to the vocals. Simply put, the members of One for Jude need to mature as singers. You can be a great rock vocalist without an opera singer's range: people as disparate as Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Kurt Cobain offer examples. But you *must* know your range. If you can't hit a high C, then don't try for it. (I know that somebody will mention David Tibet here: think of him as the exception which proves the rule). Throughout "Figures," the singers reach for high notes and give us sour ones instead. I don't think it's a lack of talent but more an excess of enthusiasm, or maybe unfamiliarity with the studio. Some vocal training, and experience, should do them a lot of good. If the lush soundscapes of "refuge" and "figuration" were supported by more assured and trained singing, One for Jude would be a band to contend with. As it is, they definitely show promise: file this one under "bands to watch out for." ONE FOR JUDE: batteries: pierre-yves angelici, sebastien boucksom Contact: Tel: (33) 6 60 13 19 91 One for Jude CDs available online at: |