If I had a nickel for every press release I’ve read that referred to their up and coming artist as “the talk of the town” I wouldn’t necessarily be rich, but I probably would’ve amassed enough coinage to purchase a decent CD. While it’s always possible to make that kind of a splash in such non-music capitals as Charlotte or Indianapolis, it’s particularly frustrating when the town they’re referring to is L.A., where there are more bands per capita than any other city in the world. Creating that kind of a buzz in that particular city is a tall order indeed and one that has been achieved by so few artists.
The Jealous Sound is L.A.’s latest “talk of the town.” The band was formed by vocalist/guitarist Blair Shehan who had made somewhat of a name for himself in indie-rock, collegiate circles with the post-punk outfit, Knapsack. Along with Shehan, are Sunday’s Best guitarist Pedro Benito, bassist John McGinnis and Tony Palermo on drums. The release of their self-titled EP proves to be a departure for Shehan from his Knapsackian roots into more subdued, pop-oriented terrain.
The Jealous Sound is a five-song EP that maintains the indie-rock edginess while opening the door to a variety of different textures that broaden their sound. “What’s Wrong Is Everywhere” opens with a catchy octave run and utilizes classic Farfisa sounds to create an eerie aura that fits perfectly behind Shehan’s whispery, soft vocal. The heaviest song on the disc is “Anxious Arms” which comes on the heels of the record’s best tune, “Quiet Life” with its infectious 4/4 piano groove and fuzzed-out guitar lines.
Whether The Jealous Sound is “the talk of the town” in the city of L.A. is moot point. The bottom line is that these guys have created a very promising record with a sound that has a lot of potential. The best asset that a record can have is it’s ability to grow on the listener with each subsequent listen. The Jealous Sound does just that.