JJ – All White Everything
SoundCloud
From lowercase to capital is not just a way to describe the slight alteration in JJ’s name – it’s also a pretty apt description of how the pair have evolved musically. V is the Swedish duo’s third studio outing, and although they have kept intact the air of mystery, intrigue and all around oddness that flows through their gloomy dream pop, they’ve also now applied that sweet, atmospheric vibe to much bolder, denser and dramatic structures.
Although considerably more accomplished, V isn’t without its baggage. It deploys a rather scattershot approach and fashions a few rough edges, and the intro is somewhat puzzling as is the decision to carry on past the perfect ending that is “Be Here Now”. Lyrically there’s also a few iffy spots to say the least. Despite these disadvantages, JJ comes out on top with some of the best work they’ve produced thus far.
Why the pros outweigh the cons significantly on V can be attributed to the passion behind the content within. The album works solely within two emotional dimensions: sadness and joy. Simple enough and a pairing that is hardly unique, but there is a resounding conviction applied to them here. Little flourishes, minor accents and a playful nature between digital and acoustic instrumentation elevate the record’s happier moments to giddy peaks. Fuller textures, brooding layers and Elin Kastlander’s bittersweet vocals see the duo drill through the surface and lead the listener towards some genuinely heartbreaking places.
Although far from seeing the format of JJ becoming completely crystallized, V is definitely a more concentrated and effective step forward for the Swedes. It shows without a doubt that beneath the scuffed surface and beyond the alienation that there is something utterly human and wonderfully empathetic to be found and held fondly.
