jj - V

jj

V

19 August 2014

Sincerely Yours/Secretly Canadian

 

3.5 stars out of 5

 

 

V is the third LP by Göteborg’s jj, and fifth release overall. If you’re a purist, you’re probably howling in protest that this new record isn’t called jj nº 5 in keeping with the band’s established nomenclature, so consider this radical shift in appellation technique to be their way of farting in your general direction. Regarding the disc’s music, it’s still full of that simultaneously sunny and gloomy stuff that the duo of Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander are known for. It’s time for a gothic beach party, people!

 

Although there are moments of acoustic guitar meanderings, V is mostly an electronic journey, though not at all beat-based or overtly danceable. The focus is Kastlander’s voice, which is full of sadness—but a sadness that is blissful and uplifting, a sadness that gives you a big, warm hug because it wants to comfort you in your unfortunate, pitiable happiness. Perhaps she’ll offer you some ecstasy while she’s at it, though drugs are by no means required to float away on jj’s cloud of triumphant melancholy. The album’s offering of uncluttered, largely unadorned pop laments is among the group’s best work. The duo’s fascination with hip-hop is relegated to the introduction of one track, the otherwise funereal chant “Hold Me.”

 

V doesn’t do much to shake Göteborg’s label as the city of Balearic pop, and I can’t honestly think of any reason why such an action would be necessary. This music is for pure enjoyment, nothing else, so stop trying to look for hidden messages or deep meanings and just enjoy it for what it is.

 

reviewed by Richard Krueger