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Released on February 16, 2015 via Head of Crom Records
Jungfrau‘s debut album is a strange beast. It’s the sort of album that never quite knows where it wants to be and in its effort to make something of a grand statement, it ultimately falls short. That said, there is a lot to enjoy about it and although it is very top heavy, you will find yourself discovering new nuances each time you listen.
Opening track ‘Cardboard Girls’ is the best here and unfortunately the one that sets the bar so high. A ten minute slow burning gothic freak out, its sinuous strands weave a spell over a krautrock rhythm whilst the vocals beckon you into a dark underworld. All atmosphere and indebtedness to The Cure, it truly is a magnificent beast.
Which then makes the rest of the album harder to get along with. ‘Red Wine Head Slammer’ is more upbeat and definitely an avenue they should explore more often as the sometimes oppressive nature of the music makes it somewhat difficult to stay the distance. ‘Pink Towers’ and ‘Pale But Straight’ try their hardest but sink under a morass of anonymity.
Things perk up, or should that be perk down, with the desolate final track, which is an ode to everything dark and dingy. Breaking away from any semblance of sunlight, its hypnotic charm embraces parts of you that you don’t want creeping to the surface too much. Depressive yet impressive, it shows a band who may actually make something of themselves.
So, an average album with a few stand out points making this one that you will file under ones to watch. You need to be in the right mood and if you are, you will have a tremendous time, just don’t come looking for happiness.
