Jets To Brazil - Perfecting Lonliness

Jets frontman Blake Schwartzenbach is no stranger to criticism. When his beloved former group Jawbreaker signed to Geffen Records during the alt-rock gold rush of the early 1990s, fans were quick to chant the all-too-familiar cry of “sellout.” Four Cornered Night, JTB’s previous album, also alienated diehards with folksy instrumentation and pop songcraft that was a far cry from the band’s post-hardcore stock in trade. Perfecting Lonliness surely isn’t going to break the streak; the 1970’s FM radio feel that permeates such an ambitious album simply is not for everyone. Fortunately, listeners who stick around are in for some finely crafted rock – not “emo” or punk or anything else, just plain rock. The songs themselves are among Blake’s catchiest to date, all simplicity and melodic conciseness, but their sprawling arrangements (aided by ex-Jawbox production whiz J. Robbins) add an interesting sonic touch. From “The Frequency”’s killowatt riffage to the stoner boogie of “William Tell Override,” Perfecting Lonliness takes the band on flights beyond anything JTB has done before. Yet that’s not always a good thing. The classic rock vibe gets tired after a while (not to mention that all the drums sound exactly like “November Rain”), and the epic-length tracks often feel in need of a scissor-carrying editor. Most glaringly, when ANY mopey, “woe is me” tune breaks the 5 minute mark, you’re in trouble – and that happens more than once on Lonliness. Fortunately, there’s more than enough gems hidden in the solipsism to make the album work. “Cat Heaven” is a sincerely touching slice of pop perfection, and the cleverly bitter couplets on “Disgrace” rival anything off Orange Rhyming Dictionary or even Jawbreakers’s seminal Dear You. While not always hitting it’s mark, Perfecting Lonliness aims high, no small feat in a world of fickle fans and critical ears. For every misstep, there’s a sublime musical moment following close behind, and such tracks are more then enough to make this album a worthy listen. [www.jetstobrazil.com]