The traditional rock ‘n’ roll template of Australian bands is now non-existent. If you previously gave a thought to music downunder it would have probably been the testosterone-filled meaty riffs of AC/DC or Silverchair and later Wolfmother, The Vines or Jet. The tide has turned though and brought a chromatic wave of kaleidoscopic psychedelia. As well as the hotbed of Perth (Tame Impala, POND, GUM, Mink Mussel Creek) experimental artists are also making their name further east (Empire of the Sun, King Gizzard). The music scene in the country has never been healthier.

The past couple of years has continued this trend but with a more Northern English-based vibe in the form of Jagwar Ma and DMA’s. But unlike their fellow Sydney three-piece (essentially a La’s cover band), Jagwar Ma occupy a unique space within their own acidic-infused psyche arena. Howlin was a juggernaut of a début that married neo-house madchester-esque revival with a fusion of guitar rock. Thankfully, Every Now & Then continues this trend but with a refined, percussional zest.

Another facet that extends from the début is the band’s innate ability to juxtapose their drawn out experimental compositions against elementary lyrics that would otherwise be saved for generic pop songs destined for the Radio 1 A-list “Because I’ve got to have you baby” (‘Say What You Feel’), “Baby can’t you see / You need all the love I can give” (‘Give Me A Reason’). It’s a marriage that should never work but Jagwar Ma always make it sound like a completely natural occurrence.

There’s no evidence of the group saying this is a concept album but it certainly does take you on a journey, a journey to a warehouse in greater Manchester in 1993. ‘Falling’ greets you as you enter and vies for the attention of each sense before guiding you into ‘Say What You Feel’, a track that slowly builds up until it hits a crescendo where you can almost taste the bucket hat and Adidas footwear.

Proceedings slow down for ‘Loose Ends’ with its militaristic beat and horn section ahead of ‘Give Me A Reason’s’ complex pilgrimage which leaves the listener nowhere near where they began come the end of the track. The Aussie’s melodical underbelly is again brought to the surface in ‘Ordinary’. Starting out like an INXS song it morphs into a masterful pop number with breakbeat percussion that should transfer brilliantly into a live environment. ‘Batter Up’ soon composes the listener ready for the hysterical five minutes of album focal point ‘OB1’.

The lead single also signals the band exiting catchy hook territory and entering into an experimental sphere in possibly three of the most emotional productions they’ve ever created. ‘Slipping’s’ dark undercurrent and progressive layers is a masterful recording of prog-pop, ‘High Rotations’ is an intense industrial soundscape and ‘Don’t Make It Right’ is unsettling as much as it is compelling. The band are then back to their old self in the form of closer ‘Colours of Paradise’ which includes baggy synthetics and a fuzzy lead.

Under the backdrop of commercial dance polluting the airwaves, Every Now & Then cements Jagwar Ma within their sonic framework of un-radio friendly danceable psych-rock. For their second release they’ve continued to subtly borrow components from a variety of genres and fit the pieces together to keep their unique audible output intact.
Paul Hill

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