To describe The Jezabels as indie rock is a bit of a stretch. If  Prisoner was to triumph, it would be to expand the boundaries of the indie genre. In a strange comparison, The Jezabels feel almost like they came out of the 80’s, and we all know how I feel about the 80’s. That’s not exactly a bad thing, more strange than hopeless. If anything, this band reminds of the tender, good moments of the 80’s, with such bands as The Pretenders, ‘Til Tuesday, and I can’t believe I’m going to say it, but even The Motels (Sorry, it’s a guilty pleasure. I mean, how do you not melt when you hear “Only the Lonely.” Don’t judge me.). Through the Jezabels wall of sound style, there are some really enjoyable textures.

The Jezabels had an interesting start to their career. In a world where bands will chose the quickest way possible to get their music to the public, this band chose to release three EPs over the course of nearly two years. However, their debut album  Prisoner, was released in the UK and Australia last year, and since American’s wouldn’t be an area most likely to garner success, we finally got it this year (Can we please get a sarcasm font? Please? You know the UK hates guitars, don’t you?).

This band brings an interesting set of sounds to the table, relying on booming organ and synth sounds, guitars heavily laced in reverb, and stunning female vocals from Hayley Mary, who’s voice instantly reminisces with Martha Davis (Seriously, stop judging me!). Her lyrics are simple at times, but so emotive through her vocal delivery that they become instantly heavy and toiling. On the opening track, “Prisoner” she sings: “lying here, cold on the floor, gives me the feeling that there isn’t to be any more;” a phrase that should be giving you chills.

“City Girl” opens up with this nice waterfall type guitar strumming that leads into a great synth melody. The track feels like Hayley got a hold of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” and framed a dark, obsessive love tune, and mixed it with Florence + the Machine (At times, this song sounds a little too much like “Shake It Out, Shake It Out,” but who had it first?). The next track, “Nobody Nowhere” is a very empowering song, also one of the LPs shortest. The song is a release of meloticism that finds the protagonist breaking free of the bonds holding her back; “fearless, nothing can cease, knowing my part, fearless, nobody nowhere, holding me down.” “Horsehead” is another really strange love ballad; this person will endure a lot to be with this flame: “you take logic off the shelf, deep in my heart like nobody else.”

The Jezabels debut is equal parts stunning and nostalgic. This is a band that has no problem with it’s influences, and takes them to new, emotive, and melodic levels. From strange beginnings to large sounds, this is a band to look out for in the years to come. Where can they take this sound, and will the next LP come from strange, drawn out beginnings? From this first record, it will be worth it regardless.

Album Rating: Stream It or Download It (Legally of Course)

Listening Co-efficient: Active Listen

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