Although Junip formed 15 years ago, their development was stunted by the post-Heartbeats success of Jose Gonzalez as a solo artist. The three-piece has had a chance to make some traction in recent years and it’s apt that this second full-length release is also their namesake album, as their sound has finally come to fruition. Tobias Winterkorn’s simmering synths continue to match Gonzalez’s mellow vocals nicely, but there’s more of a confidence and energy on Junip than on past releases.
This boost is heard in the triumphant build on opening song Line Of Fire, a dancefloor-friendly single that’s a dead ringer for Hot Chip (Your Life Your Call) and a distorted effect applied to the all-too-brief Villain showing a grungier side to the band. Best of all are tracks like Suddenly or Walking Lightly, which appear to sit comfortably at first gear but then subtly shift and expand within their fragile framework.
The balance of the first half of the album gives way to a languid second act where the music starts to fade into the background. After the trancelike Walking Lightly peaks, interest slumps to match the sluggish tempo of the final four tracks. It’s a reminder that there’s only so far that Junip will stretch to and soon enough they’ll relax to the point of distraction. They’re one of those bands that are easy to adapt to but their default move is to play it safe, and that’s what you have to come here expecting to be able to be taken by surprise occasionally.
BY CHRIS GIRDLER
Best Track: Walking Lightly
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: In Our Nature JOSE GONZALEZ, Coming On Strong HOT CHIP
In A Word: Light
