The release of any band’s debut album is the defining line drawn in the sand, the moment when everything is laid bare for critical scrutiny. The pre-release period is the only time when the band is free from any constraints of time or record company pressure to develop and create their own unique artistic identity. This unlimited gestation period is central to the reason why most bands debut albums are often their best. Jekylls Ruse are at this heart stopping moment when their creativity is open for perusal and dissemination. They formed out from the ashes of the Nottingham based avant-garde noise band Prae Vita (“before life”), which collapsed unceremoniously on stage with broken dreams and even more broken guitars to leave as a legacy. The five-piece was condensed to a trio, shedding a vocalist, a guitarist and an awful lot of ego and pomposity in their wake.
The Impulse is a seven-song, self-produced and self-financed album, which hopefully should cause enough of a stir to get them the recognition that they fully expect and deserve. It opens with “History” and it becomes instantly apparent that a total metamorphosis has occurred since the Prae Vita era. Vocals are much stronger, musicianship has leapt to another level completely and songs have emerged that are not only well crafted but also have so much depth and originality. “Red Room” and “Mirror” are the type of classic pop songs that the likes of James Morrison and David Gray do so well, and Jekylls Ruse certainly aspire to that level of commercial success. “She Walks Down” is a heavier track whose use of the Pixies patented loud/quiet/loud dynamic gives the song an individuality that refuses to leave the cortex once implanted, finishing with a classic rock solo that is refreshing in its lack of predictability. An almost fractured funk is in evidence on the remaining pieces, with time and tempo changes, also nodding in a jazz direction that with repeated listening also become indelibly fixed.
The band have drawn their unique line in the sand with this album, only time and the tide will tell if they are to be next week’s musical flotsam and jetsam or if the line is to become their permanent castle in the sand. My money is on the latter.
Jeklls Ruse – She Walks Down
