Many bands doing the rounds try to have a point of difference about them, something uniquely ‘them’ that separates a band from the enormous and ever growing glut of acts that are out there, traipsing the boards trying to get a break.
Wow, what a step up. What a progression. Melbourne five piece Jericco’s self titled debut EP was extremely impressive, but they’ve upped the ante again on their sophomore effort. Indeed, this second effort sets the bar high for their debut album, which is apparently to be released some time next year, which is seemingly going to have to be something pretty damn special if they’re to top themselves again.
Many bands doing the rounds try to have a point of difference about them, something uniquely ‘them’ that separates a band from the enormous and ever growing glut of acts that are out there, traipsing the boards trying to get a break. Many can also be defined by an actual point of difference that will see them rise above the crop. For example, on a purely local level, there are Sydonia, who have their massive tribal/percussive interludes. You have (or rather had) Mammal, who had frontman Zeke Ox, who’s simply a one-of-a-kind force of nature. He’s now back with Full Scale and working on Over-Reactor, so hopefully those acts can rise back to a similar level. Engine Three Seven throw a taste of Irish folk music into their alternative rock. And so on. You can now easily add Jericco to that list.
And how! Their strong – however, happily far from being overbearing – Middle Eastern influences really inject further life and colour into what is an already a highly expansive and progressive alternative rock sound. In a nutshell, without the mid-eastern touches, they would be an excellent band, with it they’re absolutely dynamite, and it quite simply sets them apart.
As previously alluded to, they do it so very well. It’s almost ever-present, but never overcooked. Extremely tastefully done. Plus it’s completely authentic, with two of their members hailing from that troubled but eclectic and highly musical part of the world. Check out the intro of Promises Made Of Glass for proof. Just magical.
What’s possibly even more exciting is that the setting they place the Middle Eastern elements in is one of pure, explosive, powerhouse alternative rock. In short, they rock the fuck out, and they’re proud as punch of that fact. The guitars grind and sit right in your face, the drums pound like percussive doom, and the vocals are melodic and catchy but powerful at the same time.
These Melbourne lads are building something pretty unique and spectacular here. Get on board.
