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Gene Loves Jezebel Exploding Girls
( Gene Loves Jezebel have been around (in various permutations) since goth diverged from the early Eighties neo-romantic scene. Though frontman Michael Aston (whose twin brother Jay lost rights to the band name in 1997) is more goth-ish than gothic, he has a flair for the dramatic and knows how to use it. "Exploding Girl" is a smoldering, melodic meditation on Wafa Idris, Palestine's first female suicide bomber, in which Aston eschews judgment in favor of character analysis, at one point evoking Joan of Arc. Other topical and personal insights surface amid edgy tunes shot through with exotic flavors, ranging from the slinky electronica-tinged groove behind the bittersweet "2 Hungry Women" to the African-style percussion driving "Blue Mary." This fetching album will hold a special appeal for those who fondly recall the days when goth was more about romantic yearning (in the Bronte sense) and gritty pop rock than fetish gear and down-tuned guitars. (SANDY MASUO) |
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Gene Loves Jezebel: Exploding Girls (Bless Momma Records) |
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Written
by Laura Hamlett |
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Thursday, 08 December 2005 |
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A breezy dream of escape that perfectly catches the wind and soars When an ’80s new wave icon makes a ’00s revival, it has to be met with equal parts old friend/new skepticism. The return of Gene Loves Jezebel—best known for 1986’s Discover—arrived with a couple other question marks, as well. Frontman Michael Aston, who founded the group with twin brother Jay in 1980, is the only original member; the siblings haven’t spoken since 1997’s legal battle over the rights to the band name. And then there’s the fact that Aston has recorded not just any album, but a concept album: ten songs about women. But they’re not just sappy odes to women he has loved; the first track, “Exploding Girl,” is an homage to Wafa Idris, the first female Palestinian suicide bomber. “Jenin” pays tribute to the Palestinian refugee camp. And “Blue Mary” is dedicated to the fallen, Mary Magdalene. Upon first listen, Aston’s voice—is comforting and familiar. Rather than sounding lost in the ’80s, though, the music’s contemporary and relevant, as is the message. Lyrically. Highlights of the disc include the aforementioned “Jenin” (“Jenin is waiting, she is waiting at her well/‘It won’t fall down,’ she says. ‘It won’t fall down.’”), the gently rolling “My Heart’s a Flame,” the raw hunger of “2 Hungry Women,” and the African beat of “Blue Mary.” The standout track, however, has to be “Aire (Buenos Aires),” a breezy dream of escape that perfectly catches the wind and soars. Fans of Gene Loves Jezebel’s “Desire” days won’t be disappointed by Exploding Girls—and with the right promotion, Michael Aston’s thoughtful musings on the second sex could very well introduce GLJ to a new legion of listeners. |
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Gene Loves Jezebel Gene Loves Jezebel returns with "Exploding Girls" on vocalist/guitarist Michael Aston's own Bless Momma Records. The line up for the latest release by this legendary outfit is Michael Aston (vocals/guitars), Michael Ciravolo (guitars/keyboards), Pando (bass), and Michael Brahm (drums). This album is comprised completely of songs that Aston penned about women who have affected his life. This is probably the strongest album Gene Loves Jezebel has ever made to be honest. It's nearly flawless in it's U2 meets The Cure meets Human League style delivery. The songs are strong and catchy and the older Aston gets the more he sounds like Bono, and that's never a bad thing. The songs here are particularly intriguing due to their lyrical content. Aston delivers an entire album full of thought provoking songs that will definitely catch your attention. The title track, which explores the idea of female suicide bombers in the Middle East and whether they are insane, deceived, or heroes is sure to get your mind milling around in Aston's thoughts. In much the same way, the song "Downhill Both Ways" and it's haunting, yet biting, "I'm just a man/ I'm just a man/ I'm not an American" vocal will provoke many emotions in U.S. fans. Overall this is a great album. The production is great, the songwriting is superb, and the lyrics will stir you. This could very well be the defining moment for this legendary band.
Key Song: "Exploding Girl"
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Gene Loves JezebelExploding GirlsBlessMomma
Let's take a second to study Gene Loves Jezebel history, shall we: the band was one of the premiere alternative pop acts of the 1980s, selling tons of records on the strength of twin brothers Michael and Jay Aston's angelic voices, which played off of each other in a magical way. The brothers parted ways following a bitter falling out, and both of them have since recorded albums under two different incarnations of the name "Gene Loves Jezebel." Exploding Girls is the latest from Michael's Gene Loves Jezebel, and I must admit that neither of the GLJ branches have sounded this good for nearly 15 years! The majority of the album is powered by heavily distorted guitars, off kilter danceable drumbeats and Michael's voice sounds just as spooky and challenging as ever. The title track is the album's masterpiece, a plodding yet powerful rocker that's mildly reminiscent of Dirty-era Sonic Youth, that is until the glorious chorus. The chorus features a winding guitar melody over which Michael throws his weary voice to classic GLJ heights. It sounds like it could have some success on college radio stations, if the DJ is willing to give these veterans an occasional spin. Exploding Girls would probably be better if Jay was present to provide his lovely vocals in the "call and response" style that made 1986's Discover such an alternative rock classic. That being said, this record is of the same caliber of Discover, if not somewhat better, due to the improvements in production and songwriting. I wasn't expecting Exploding Girl to be this good, and I am more than pleasantly surprised. Fans of the darker side of pop music (The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, early New Order, Joy Division, etc.), this is one of the best postpunk/goth/pop records that's been recorded in quite some time, and is totally worth picking up. Daniel Mitchell
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Gene Loves Jezebel –
Exploding Girls
Gene Loves Jezebel – Exploding Girls. With a history that dates back to 1980, UK’s Gene Loves Jezebel has endured a turbulent history with many album releases, record labels, break-ups, band members performing in alternative bands, regrouping, etc., finally culminating in the group’s latest CD Exploding Girls, released via vocalist/guitarist’s Michael Aston’s own record label BlessMomma. Produced by Aston and Michael Rosen (Less Than Jake, dredg, A.f.i.), Exploding Girls is a 10-track opus to women as envisioned by Michael Aston and guitarist Michael Ciravolo who wrote the record. Musically, the album is an epic, charming and ambient expose of goth-tinged, new wave alternative-rock with Brit-pop undertones likened to Tears For Fears, Duran Duran, Echo & The Bunnymen, etc., and comes complete with haunting, romantic melodies/vocals and thoughtful/intelligent lyrics. Ranging from the standout opening track Exploding Girl, the atmospheric Downhill Both Ways and Love No Longer, to the African-influenced Blue Mary and Jenin, Gene Loves Jezebel’s Exploding Girls is an album that may seem to be decades past its time, yet, almost effortlessly, offers more substance & depth than the majority of bands in this day and age that call them selves “artists.”
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 Title - ‘Exploding Girls’
(Bless Momma Records) After all this waiting, we finally get to see the return of Michael Aston`s Gene Loves Jezebel. A man dedicated to his music, he has now confirmed what fans already know: That he is and will always be simply the best of all of them come the final roll of the musical dice. His latest album is indeed a rare challenge. One in which I was taken and shaken! I felt a chill throughout my whole body. His tunes are so affectionate and also gave me the urge to get up and dance around the house! A voice which God himself created, it is simply just not from this planet! His political lyrics are maybe not everybody’s view but you shouldn’t be bothered by them either way – hey, it’s a free country, you make your own statements on your own time people! And of course he didn’t forget us women in his songs as they were dedicated to all of us – or so it feels/sounds like! I was deeply moved when listening to this new accomplishment. The first song is the title track and is a stand-out, great song which hits you right there where it hurts! With his/their melodic, passionate new modern rock sound, this is the real musical deal back round for another stab at chart success. The guitar chords are played admirably by Micheal Ciravolo with Pando on bass and Mike Brahm pounding the drums. Those guys are highly energetic and a lot of fun. Exploding Girls is a must for everybody who enjoys real music !!! Reviewed by Sarah Hickson
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