Review: Jagged City ‘There Are More of Us, Always’
Taking inspiration for their name from Hanif Adburraquib’s memoir There’s Always This Year, Jagged City began as a collaborative, cross-continental art experiment between Jake Woodruff of hardcore band Defeater and former Explosions In The Sky touring member Carlos Torres.
Through collaborative writing from afar, the project grew from a simple exchange of ideas to a more ambitious and expansive set of arrangements seeking to form a celebration and exploration of the post-rock instrumental genre.
When it came to recording, the duo encountered scheduling issues that turned into a fortuitous circumstance where producer Urian Hackney would not only handle the production duties, but also the drumming. Capturing the core of Woodruff’s and Hackney’s output at The Box Studio in Burlington, VT, Torres recorded his bass parts in Los Angeles. His Explosions In The Sky bandmate Michael James, as well as guest guitarist Takaakira Goto of Mono, would add texture to complement Woodruff’s own haunting guitar to create a dense and multi-layered sound.
The resulting voyage may only span twenty minutes, but it is an immersive, emotional trip that is inspired by the celebration of perseverance and endurance using the exploration of musical cooperation as catharsis.
The journey begins with the bright pinging notes of (don’t dream it’s over), a short introduction that somehow feels refreshing, like the sun breaking over a dew-glazed morning. The angular sounds of the guitar notes glance off each other like reflections of rays of light, born from cartwheeling in a dizzyingly blue sky. This brief moment captures the spirit of hope that imbues Jagged City’s debut.
The jangling opening and grinding bass of Imaginary Lines is warm and gentle, but with a powerful sense of grace. Featuring possibly my favourite bass tone since Therapy?’s Crooked Timber, Torres creates a sound of knowing assurance and power for the meandering track to follow. Over the deep pulse, Woodruff picks delicate, cycling notes that rise and fall as naturally as breath, whilst Hackney punctuates the ebb and flow with driving tom platters or celebratory cymbal splashes.
Rain And Sirens is more sombre, reflecting the title. The low drones and plodding build give way to a frantic rattling of the drums. Here, the intensity and mania of Hackney’s playing clashes with the thoughtful progression of the music until they finally find a synergy that weaves harmony from the chaos. Part of the EP’s thematic aim is to push the boundaries of where tension and release overlap. Intense passages of reverb and a cacophony of drums lead the listener to a place where they almost hear where one becomes the other
Jagged City looks to establish their identity, not overstay their welcome, leaving the listener curious for more…
The smouldering low feel of Ocean East Ocean West shares common ground with the likes of A Perfect Circle or Deftones, with the moody, ambient shoegaze motifs. The punk rock heritage of the performers shows through as the more aggressive riffing and scything guitar lines punch through with more power and purpose than the serene drift of the earlier numbers. Here, they share common ground with the likes of Sons Of Alpha Centauri, where a detour into more downbeat territory brings further light and shade.
Hairspring’s hypnotic, undulating bass prowls and plods before the track is elevated by more dancing, light lead work. Once again, as a fan of the low end, Torre’s bass tone is divine and the perfect counterfoil for the dancing beadwork, sounding fresh and vibrant before the more introspective Minus Power settles the mood.
The muted beginning of (deluge in a paper cup) – which also features the skills of Goto – quickly transitions into intense shuffling rhythms. The guitars and drums threaten to reach breaking point before pulling back and shifting into a more melodic passage. Brief and ending the release on an exclamation point, Jagged Citylooks to establish their identity, not overstay their welcome, leaving the listener curious for more.
As debuts go, it is hard to grumble with the formula here. The band have established their intentions and given their audience a teasing sample of what the future could hold. The record feels positive from start to finish, throwing in plenty of twists and turns to keep the musical joinery progressing. Having spent plenty of time with the record, it works well, both as ambient background music and as something that can transport you into the emotional resonance.
Definitely recommended for fans of post-rock exploration, it’s a perfect fit on the Pelagic Records roster and can dovetail neatly to complement bands like Hiroe, FAZI and Russian Circles.
Label: Pelagic Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Mark Hunt-Bryden
