Review: The Jezabels – Prisoner
The AIR (Australian Independant Record) award-winning four-piece have been quite successful in blending an array of different genres like trance, indie pop, and rock. At first listen, “Prisoner” proves that The Jezabels’ sound is indeed a difficult thing to define. The album soars through many different moods. For instance, the opening song “Prisoner”, is very dark and heavy, sustained by the preeminent sound of a great organ. As we go forth, we dive into a mix of floaty atmospheric ballads and heavier rock tunes.
All songs are dominated by Hayley Mary’s powerful vocals, which could easily be compared to the likes of Karen O, from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, or Dolores O’Riordan, from The Cranberries. Hailey’s mighty voice is most likely the element holding together this first album. Containing 13 original pieces, ‘‘Prisoner’’ is an elaborate work that, despite possibly running the chance of seeming to have a lack of direction to some people, is emotionally driven and powerful enough to catch other’s attentions in a heartbeat. The sharp guitars riffs, heavy drumming, and omnipresent synths played by skilled musicians makes this album accessible and very enjoyable to listen to, albeit you have to give your full attention to it. It is obviously not a record you can just leave playing in the background.
The Jezabels have stated themselves as being predominantly a live act, and we agree. As great as ‘‘Prisoner’’ sounds on record, it is definitely a musical effort that one would define as being worth seeing live, to hear it in all it’s multi-faceted glory. I think it would be a heck of a ride. Catch ‘em on their Canadian tour with Polaris Prize nominees, Hey Rosetta! They will be playing the Corona Theatre, on November 26. Get your tickets, here, or ar Cheap Thrills‘ record store.
-Written by Christelle St-Julien
