Jupe Jupe – Lonely Creatures (CD Album – Jupe Jupe Music)
Genre/Influences: Wave-pop, indie-rock.
Background/Info: Based in Seattle (USA) Jupe Jupe consists of Bryan Manzo, My Young, Patrick Partington and Jarrod Arbini. They previously self-released 3 other full lengths and now strike back with “Lonely Creatures”, which is also available on vinyl format.
Content: Jupe Jupe claims to be influenced by a wider range of bands and that’s an element that comes rapidly through. There clearly is something 80s running through their work, which sounds in between new-wave and pop music and reminds me now and then to Tears Of Fears and Q. Lazzarus. But there also is something more indie-like. Electronics and guitar are totally complementary while the singer has a very particular timbre of voice.
+ + + : Jupe Jupe sounds refreshing and that’s probably for their mix of good-old retro elements from the 80s and something contemporary on top of the production. There also is a perfect balance between the verses and the choruses. “Lonely Creatures” features a few elevating cuts and I especially recommend “Blind “By Memory” and “In Reflection”. Jupe Jupe is taking care for nearly all elements from the production process; from song writing to promotion and I can only congratulate the very professional work.
– – – : What this album is missing is a absolute hit song.
Conclusion: “Lonely Creatures” is a fully enjoyable production reflecting a mature production and a sound that will appeal for wave-pop fans and indie-lovers. This is a band to discover!
Best songs: “Blind By Memory”, “In Reflection”, “Faith In What You Hear”, “All So Wrong”.
Rate: (7½).
Artist & Label: www.jupejupemusic.com / www.facebook.com/jupejupemusic
About Jupe Jupe
Jupe Jupe is a Seattle quartet formed in 2010, made up of My Young on vocals and synths, Bryan Manzo on guitar, bass and saxophone, Patrick Partington on guitar, and Jarrod Arbini on drums and percussion.
The band self-released the albums “Invaders”, “Reduction In Drag” and “Crooked Kisses”, plus the remix album “Cut Up Kisses” featuring Lusine, Rick G. Nelson of The Afghan Whigs, Mike Simonetti and Erik Blood, before “Lonely Creatures”, reviewed here.
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