Gene Loves Jezebel is a rock band that was formed in the early 1980’s by twin brothers Jay and Michael Aston. Totally Eighties with a hint of “today,” these brothers formed the kind of band you never thought you’d listen to and actually enjoy; they’ve got some pretty wicked jams under their belt.

The fact that GLJ is still spewing out totally Rock and Roll tunes is deserving of a pat on the back – way to go, fellas! You’ve still got drive! However, their most recent album is not an adequate example of that drive, unfortunately. So for starters – what? The only honest thing I can say that’s on a more positive note is that in the song ‘Dancing Underwater’ the contrast between the vocals and the instruments is surprisingly impressive. Then it just gets painful.

Dancing Underwater (Westworld) is very simple, yet simultaneously – and stressfully – chaotic. Musically there isn’t anything too impressive or extraordinary about it, which makes it very simple. However, there are so many different aspects of each song that just slam against each other at full force, and it’s extremely unsettling. Gene Loves Jezebel is trying too hard to be “different” and “wild.” Rather than having a “skillfully unorganized” sound that triggers something beautiful and fun inside of you, it just feels sloppy.

Another aspect of the album that is less than satisfactory is the organization of the transitions between the tracks. This may seem somewhat insignificant, but the flow between the tracks on an album creates a very special kind of energy that brands itself in your mind as the album’s “first impression” on you. You never forget the first time you listen to an album, at least not the feeling. What feeling can I honestly predict you’ll experience from Dancing Underwater? Occasional enjoyment followed promptly by sheer confusion.

4.0/10

JESSICA TAMEZ