Lyrics: 8
Vocals: 8
Instrumentals: 6
Replay Value: 8
Overall: 8
Summary: Probably the best album from Jack Off Jill, but sadly their last as well.
From Wikipedia:
Jack Off Jill
was an Alternative rock/Gothic rock band from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, formed in 1992 by Jessicka Fodera, Tenni Ah-Cha-Cha, Robin Moulder, and Michelle Inhell. Though these four young women were the initial founders, twelve members rotated through the group in its life span, including Scott Putesky, lead guitarist and co-founder of industrial rock group Marilyn Manson. The band lasted eight years, with only Moulder and Fodera remaining through all its lineups: Moulder wrote the bulk of the music, Fodera all of the lyrics and melodies. The group toured and performed with Marilyn Manson a significant number of times, and have been compared to the more famous rocker. Like Manson, they were known for raunchy shows. Despite this, the group bore a greater resemblance to riot grrl groups.
So theres you're background info on them for some history.
They have a very interesting sound, with some very hard edged riffs, combined with Jessicka's (their singer) amazing voice, which jumps from sounding like a little girl, to screaming bloody murder in a split second, making some awesome vocal leaps. Lyrically you could call them emo, but I think its more shock value than anything else that they put into their lyrics, nonetheless, the lyrics are very interesting to listen to.
Key Songs:When I Am Queen:
When I am queen on royal throne made out of parts of broken bones
of all the devils I have known that suck the angels dry
When I am queen I'll have my way I'll make it drowning Dollie day
and all the tears that we have cried will suck back in our eyesThis song starts off the album softly with the noise of distant static, over which some piano melodies start working their way. The drums then start up, as do the vocals in almost a whisper. As the first verse finishes you are suddenly thrown into the chorus with some relatively heavy guitar and Jessicka's wicked scream. Great way to start a great album
Nazi Halo:You're so predictable, no shadow of doubt
When you are suffering know who sold you out
Fuck your opinions
Fuck your lack of spine
When you are miserable
Know that I'm just fineThis track is more upbeat, and no screaming, but still a great tune. Fairly simple riffing and rhythms, but still good to listen to, and great lyrically.
Strawberry Gashes:Watch me lose her,
It's almost like losing myself.
Give her my soul,
And let them take somebody else get away from me.
Watch me fault her,
"You're living like a disaster"
She said "kill me faster"
With strawberry gashes all over all overThis is probably the most depressing song on the album, but it is also one of the best. No screaming on this one either, but it doesn't matter, as the vocals used fit in perfectly. There is a sort of rocking feeling to the song that makes it feel almost like a lullaby, probably the scariest lullaby ever, but a lullaby nonetheless.
Author Unknown:
No forgiveness you're no martyr
Sell yourself
Make it true
There's no price tag on my conscience
Here's your answer it's still
FUCK YOUThis song moves the album upbeat again, and includes a large amount of screaming, which is always a good thing. Lyrically strong, as with the rest of the album, and short but sweet.
Losing His Touch:Hey there cracked God
(you're) you're looking older
(you're) you're looking older
cry on someone else's shoulder
pink dried up crippled Christ
try to take your own advice
NOW now I'm God
Because God never loved me this much
NOW I'll play God
'Cause your God is just losing his touchJust because no great album is complete without some good solid anti-Christian messages, we have this wonderful little tune. Lyrically self explanatory, more mixed vocals between clean singing and screams, all around solid song.
Lovesong:
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am free again
Whenever I'm alone with you
You make me feel like I am clean again, againThis song is a cover, originally done by the cure. Not much to say about it other than it is a very cool way of redoing the song, more hard edged, both vocally and instrumentally, and of course, with SCREAMS!!!
All in all great album, sadly no more coming, but! Jessicka has a new band called Scarling. :
http://www.myspace.com/scarlingLinks:
http://www.jackoffjill.com/http://www.myspace.com/jackoffjill
