Say Hello Hello to Jupe Jupe
Jupe Jupe – Invaders
By Nik Christofferson
Say hello to Jupe Jupe, a Seattle band that for the last year have been tirelessly crafting Invaders, an album that will surely prove to be one of the finest local records you will hear in 2010.
Officially released October 5, Invaders is a journey of moody melodies, throbbing beats and layers upon layers of atmospheric synths. On the surface these 12 tracks fall into the vast arena of pop music, but throw on a pair of headphones to take a deeper gaze into the expansive world these musicians have envisioned through timely samples, otherworldly effects, and stylish guitar work and realize Jupe Jupe’s sound is not so easily pigeonholed.
This collaboration between two long time friends My Young (vocals and keys) and Bryan Manzo (guitar) is years in the making, as both are veterans of the Austin and Seattle music scenes. As lifelong music connoisseurs and fans, Manzo and Young have studied in the proverbial classroom of the greats. Queen, Eno, Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Clash, Depeche Mode, T. Rex — all of these groundbreaking artists have had a hand in molding and influencing the sounds and words so expressively present on Invaders.
As dense as it is danceable, the first half of Invaders whisks by at a rapid pace. Stand out tracks such as “Something About Love” and “Add as Friend” are pushed along by modern day fist pumping techno beats but also showcase Jupe Jupe’s affinity for and grounding in ‘70’s glam, punk rock, and new wave. Midway through, the record takes a turn into a more brooding and sinister realm. “The Grand Drape” and “The Fading Din” resonate ’60’s psychedelia and carry the second half of Invaders, while both building and climaxing into feverish flurries of astral sounds and textures.
Jupe Jupe is certainly a departure from the types of bands written about on SRG, but a good record is a good record, and Invaders is a standout local release in 2010. From start to finish, Invaders processes all the elements of a strong debut and is not only musically sturdy but equally as fun and rewarding for the listener. – (8/10)
Jupe Jupe has recruited a full time band making them a quartet. See them perform Thursday, October 28 at the Can Can with The Break Up and Legion Within. Nik Cristofferson is Seattle Rock Guy.