Back in 2001, Dublin trio JJ72 were a promising rock band earmarked for success along with the likes of Seafood, My Vitriol and Muse. Four years on, and it's clear that only the latter has made the vital transfer from indie obscurity to mainstream adulation. The rest have plodded away to little avail, occasionally putting out low-key releases to placate their underground fanbases.
But just when you thought they'd packed up and disappeared forever, JJ72 have returned with a new single (Their first material since 2002's I To Sky) that's arguably their finest work to date. With a new bassist in Sarah Fox and a new LP on the horizon, the band seem rejuvenated.
Even Mark Greaney's trademark falsetto seems to have taken a dark and menacing turn - "I don't know where they go, I don't want to know, I'm better off alone!" he cries rather viciously about an ex girlfriend over his swirling, atmospheric guitar notes, a rigid bass line and frantic percussion. It's an impressive comeback that suggests the new record may well be one of the surprises of the year.
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