JABBERLOOP's US debut serves up revenge with a jazz beat.
JABBERLOOP is a club jazz band consisting of five members: DAISUKE, MAKOTO, MELTEN, YUKI, and YOHEI. The instruments they play, respectively, are the saxophone, trumpet, keyboard, bass and drums. The band was formed in 2004, and in 2009 debuted in the United States with REVENGE of the SPACE MONSTER, a best-of album that shows just what kind of music they make.
At thirteen tracks, REVENGE of the SPACE MONSTER is a nicely packaged sampler that should give new listeners the opportunity to really experience the band. The first track off the album, and also the title track, dives right in with a synth driven beat. Faster and snappier than your usual jazz melody, the liberal use of synthesizers and digitalized ornamentation creates a psychedelic, spaced-out vibe for a completely new style of music. However, there are still classic jazz elements to be found, with plenty of syncopated play and polyrhythms in full effect.
Of the piano-based songs, RE:LOOP stands out with its beautiful, rolling piano intro. The soft, smooth notes sweep you gently off your feet. Track seven, MISSING MY BIRD, is the slower, more classic sounding jazz song on the CD. Well situated in the middle of the album, it offers a little respite from the quick beats that surround it and is definitely a track that shouldn’t be skipped.
Besides mixing jazz with disco-electro, JABBERLOOP also brings in a few other styles. Track four, BEHIND THE WIND, shows influence from what sounds like samba. It’s quite well done and subtle, proving the band’s skill at blending genres. AREA51, one of the last songs on the album, seems to be constructed around a pop melody, which is a sure draw. Just before INTERLUDE is ATMOSPHERE ENTRY, which is the only track with vocals; it features a deep voice, speaking in English and saying phrases such as “follow us and we’ll take you to a new world, nobody but us will know what is gonna happen from now, it’ll be our secret.”
With verve and creativity, JABBERLOOP has put together a great “debut” album to mark their venture into the United States. If there is a downside to REVENGE of the SPACE MONSTER, it’s that a few songs sound a bit similar and fade into the background. However, the album on the whole is easy listening and is a perfect introduction to the band.
