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Groep Jezus | Turn Up Speed Or Show Me Love

Somber, but bright tunes with an Eighties slant.
CD, Labelman/Konkurrent

Tekst: Wilko van Iperen

Publicatiedatum: 14 januari 2002

This album has been out for some time now. No need for reviewing it a half year after its release, you'd think. True, but this group seem to be overlooked in the international press. Groep Jezus ("Group Jesus") isn't a name that has an enormous appeal. But the secularised western world might want to get in touch with the teachings of this Belgian band. Don't be scared off by the first song 'Swing It, Carlo', in which Groep Jezus take you into their dark mind. There's absolutely no swinging during this first one, and honestly I think you'd better skip this. This song is meant as a tension-building introduction but fails woefully because of its dull composition. But this is the only weak part of the album. The frugal compositions in combination with the singer's monotone voice make most of the songs a bit hard to digest, but like Arab Strap they have the power to give these sober structures a tension that's irresistible. Overall, the album sounds a bit depressed - and the singer's voice makes it a bit hard on us - but when you get to the second song, you know why this record had to be given attention. A smile still won't appear on your face, but this is beauty to enjoy. Most of the songs make me think of an "alternative" and strung-out Depeche Mode, while the singer has the melancholy voice of Morrissey and sometimes Evan Dando (ex-Lemonheads). Especially the more poppy songs with the female backing vocals remind me of the combination of Dando with Juliana Hatfield. That said, I wouldn't be off to the record store yet just because of these references! Although these influences are clear, Groep Jezus manage to do something original with it. This is minimal pop/rock in a lower gear. Most of the songs consist of just a drum computer, one guitar, synths, and sober singing. The minimal compositions are carried by the melodies and at exactly the right moment are given an injection of a touch of piano that take it to a new soulful level. They say it isn't good to be looking back, but this album sure is a fine reason to be doing so. It's just something else in these days of Eighties pop, post-rock, and alt.country. And just one warning from this concerned reviewer: Don't play this before hitting town on a Saturday night. You might be back at twelve o' clock because you didn't feel like going out.

http://www.kindamuzik.net/recensie/groep-jezus/turn-up-speed-or-show-me-love/908/
Meer Groep Jezus op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/groep-jezus