They don’t call it Psychedelic Rock for nothing. Whether my mood is upbeat or downbeat, serious or playful, extroverted or introverted, there are musical choices aplenty to complement, enhance or counteract it on this CD by Brooklyn band Love Jupiter. In their own words they call its powerful, haunting sound ‘Heavy Beautiful’. In 2011, bassist Matt Adamec and drummer Bob DeRienzo found themselves in two bands with longstanding collaborators pursuing similar trajectories– “Jupiter,” an avante-power trio with singer-guitarist Michael ‘Chickie’ Ciulla, and “Of,” an ethereal power trio with singer-guitarist Mark Goetz. A merger followed, and Love Jupiter was born. ’Heavy Beautiful’ was realized from the first sessions. On this 9 track CD Love Jupiter delivers what I can only describe as perfect Alternative Punk Rock combination with a Brooklyn type zip. It has flavorings of reckless rock, punk rock that’s a bit out of control, but, perhaps surprisingly for someone whose primary genera is Rock, the emphasis here is not on simple 4/4 rhythms shall we say. No Love Jupiter go much deeper than that. Early tracks ‘Everything is All Right” and “I Told You So” have a contemplative, chaotic feel, becoming almost hypnotic in places. The rocked out textures of this 5 piece are especially evocative. “History” has a sonic progressive rock feel to it, lending more towards a Radiohead feel but it could hardly be called mainstream. Some tracks are a bit emotional” Love Makes You Cry” and Prince of Wales” while “Heat” takes it up a notch and will cause your jaw to hit the floor. Love Jupiter at times reminds me of: The Pigeon Detectives, Miles Kane, Razorlight, The Vaccines and The Strokes, All tracks have a particularly steady-thrumming bass line that adds firmness and tension. Vocals from Adamec are off the hook. All songs are a return to straight Psychedelic Punk Rock with a stuttering rhythm section underpinning some terrific work from all involved. Love Jupiter is one Brooklyn based band who has played numerous shows around that region and beyond. This CD by Love Jupiter is a great pickup if you’re either in a mellow mood or looking to instill a more trippier one. While this is music you could work or play to, it’s most suited to a more mind melding contemplation. Now isn’t that something we could all use a little more of in our lives right no? Love Jupiter sets it all to well.
Reverbnation – www.reverbnation.com/lovejupiter
Rating: 8.5/10 stars
Matthew Johns edited by Heather Savage
Review comments: heathresacage5@gmail.com
