Buy they’ve done. ‘A Drink To Remember’ is a poigant affair with its carefully layered build up and emotional crescendo. Jönson sings about the importance yet ultimate futility of words in expressing the fullness grief and loss ..’glasses touch and drift away…so much and so little to say, memories begin to fade…drink to remember what’s left behind’.
‘Deception Pass’ begins the second half of the album with a huge bang. Heavy reverb on crashing guitars and a constant back and forth drum fill give way to a pop inspired chorus. A powerful rock jam ensues before the band disciplines itself by settling for a quiet and chastened end. ‘Cathedral Peak’ continues Silesia’s consistent trajectory while lyrically sparking hope in despair using the seasons as a metaphor for renewal. The classical instrumentation embellishes that feeling of hope breaking through. The slow and intense guitar melodies present on ‘Where The Hills Fall Toward The Ocean’ give the track an affecting feel that rises and falls perfectly. ‘Dover’ is an expertly crafted piece of catchy songwriting with a clever twist in its middle where it changes direction entirely in rhythm and intensity making it an album standout. Final track ‘Hearths’ rounds out the album nicely and is an example of the band opting to utilise space in their sound.
Purists may probably accuse Jeniferever in its search for immediacy of forgoing its post rock roots (if that’s indeed from where they emanate) but those that do miss the point of what drives the foursome. In any case, others have criticised the band for not changing enough. On the evidence here, both criticisms are invalid and leave them in the absurd position of being damned if they do, damned if they don’t. That’s unfortunate because there is a real honesty to this band who clearly relish what they do with gusto. There is nothing pedestrian about Jeniferever, no simply going through the motions. The organic way the band utilises the environment to create its lyrical content and musical soundscapes is impressive and sets them apart from many. While length is something that may have allowed for some criticism of Jeniferever in the past, Silesia never outstays its welcome indicating that even after 15 years, the band is still growing in direction, formulating and streamlining their sound. It’s a growth that’ll be a pleasure to watch in the talented Swedes in the years to come.
James Stocker – April 24, 2011.
The Beat Of Our Own Blood
Jeniferever (SWE)
From the album, ‘Silesia’, Monotreme.
Download here
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