The Jury & The Saints - Daydreams Album Review
24 Feb 2011 // A review by River Tucker
To look at this CD you might think WTF and not give it a second chance. But if you get past the initial shock at the quirkiness of the eco friendly packaging, you'd be well pleased you did, and a lot more besides. Any ideas that the Jury and the Saints (JATS) haven't got it together are completely gone as soon as you put their debut album into your stereo and press play. In fact I would recommend pushing repeat at the same time.
Although slightly reminiscent of old school American bands like The Cars, there's a strong and well-engineered Kiwi flavour similar to Knives at Noon and Midnight Youth going on. The JATS resonance definitely cuts its own path though; Rowan Crowe and Jesse Smith cleverly intertwine melodies and lyrics while embracing the digital revolution with perfect synchronicity, which competes healthily with a tight and dynamic rhythm section. All this melds together into a well-rounded and commercially viable product. If the JATS are in it for the fame, they're going about it in the right direction.
Their sound could best be described as fun, energetic and uplifting electronic pop rock with a young and crisp edge. There's no let up to the self-described heavy Emo sound throughout Daydreams that should immediately get you jumping around like a maniac.
Opening track Calm the Sea is a fast-paced floor filler with solid beats and an American indie influence. The heartfelt Set in Stone sets the tone for much of the album. The title track Daydreams is next and continues the theme nicely. Miles Away is one of my favourites, a hard choice to make because they're all great songs! The real stunner is Patience with its beautiful full sound and great dynamic from guest vocalist Stan Walker. The seventh track Mid Way is another stand out; there's a Jordan Luck quality to the vocals with an absolutely gorgeous intro, slowly building into climactic, harmonized bliss.
The JATS have really outdone themselves with Daydreams, which is a polished and professional performance with quality production. Get up off your proverbial today and hunt it down at any good music store nearby.
About The Jury & The Saints