Indie art-rock from new couple on the scene
It’s easy to be uncertain what to make of this album. The principle of John & Jehn is simple enough: they describe the idea as being about conversation between two people. And plenty of these songs to sit on the fine lines between spoken and sung. And the album is very ‘couple ��"y’, as in it’s very much focussed on the relationship between our two protagonists. Even the album is divided between a ‘side John’ and ‘side Jehn’. And there’s a twee little touch in the sleeve notes, reading: “This record was made in the year 2007. At this time John was 29 and Jehn 22, they loved each other very much.”
Which I think sums up how personal this album is.
Not that it’s the easiest of listening. Lets face it, it’s indie, so we’re not talking happy here. But it’s not unhappy per se either. Just a little on the arty side, so make of that what you will. The pair describe themselves as not necessarily a rock and roll act, which would be completely accurate. There’s too much discord, the edge of something not quite right, about songs such as 'DOM' and 'Love Me' to have much influence from ‘mainstream’ music. At a push, you could compare the random lyrics, detuned vocals, and disharmony between the instruments to Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd. Right down to the ‘Oooh’ squeaks and guitar slides on I Can See You, or You, Far Away.
The ideas may be art, but this is far more accessible than most airy-fairy art-cum-music. Maybe because it’s a very inclusive album. These guys have opened their lives and relationship in an album, and invited you to take a look. Usually, I’d advise you to run a mile and get a life, but this time it’s a tempting offer. It’s not all “look how wonderful we are”, but more about shared experiences, both with each other and their audience.
It’s a very mellow album, with the feeling of something attempting to bridge the gap between commercial and homemade. The music is at odds with the vocals if the vocals are tuneful, guitars squeal and rage against the melody, but if the vocals are discordant, the music is note-perfect. But it does come off as über-indie and more of an art project than an album. So if you like your music crystal-clear and impersonal, steer clear. But if obscure influences are your thing, John & Jehn are a refreshing change from mainstream pop culture.