Jargon - Jargon

From Menomena’s homemade sequencing software, to The Flaming Lips “digital orchestra,” to The White Stripes lo-fi retrograde appreciation, it isn’t at all rare to find bands that wrestle for a unique sound or a distinctive method to steal the indie spotlight; and then there are those bands completely satisfied with a typical lineup and conventional sound, bands like Jargon. The majority of the record is very much average. Amongst the dulcet guitars and bare vocals there are some highlights, “Surface” and “The Lion’s Flower” being the two best tracks. The rest don’t surpass that conjectural line separating the “must listen” songs from those that are “just okay.” The vocals have a nice tone and the music is appeasing, but would benefit from a little diversity and some studio trickery. It’s the kind of album that you might pick up at a concert and be completely satisfied with, but wouldn’t go out of your way too much to share it with your friends. Jargon feels like a peanut butter sandwich; it’s a satisfyingly plain meal, but nothing I would order at a restaurant. [www.jargonia.com]