Jambori Jambora - Jambori Jambora

Jambori Jambora 

​Jambori Jambora
self-released; 2018

​4.2 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

The self-titled album Jambori Jambora by Jambori Jambora had my attention within the first couple seconds. I think it was the combination of the funky bass and dynamic violin. But before we get to the music let's back up a bit.

​The band from Quebec across eight songs describes what the album is about. “Party culture, generational boredom/sense of entitlement and problematic dynamics between men and women are all themes evoked that the protagonist tries to leave behind beginning his/her quest through the dry desert of introspection to find his true moral well being and serenity.” Just reading that I feel like I be might one generation too old to currently relate to some of the topics. I’m in my late thirties but remember a couple years back a lot of people and a lot of media outlets referred to millennials as the “entitled generation” here in the states. Additionally any sense of party culture has evaporated when you are creeping on forty years of age. That being said I think as you get older you naturally get more introspective as to what matters, what can be meaningful and perhaps even what gives you a sense of peace.

Musically, this album is fantastic. The band combines tons of different genres seamlessly. There are places the band goes I wasn’t expecting and i'm all for that. Furthermore, they conquer every style they attempt and make it seem easy.

The energy gets pumping with “Boredom” which by the way is something I think you experience less and less as you get older. I loved the vocals which are pretty intense but I wouldn’t say are aggressive. The song is dynamic with jazzy breakdowns and great vocal harmonies. All in all it’s a killer track with an epic outro jam.

The band is just getting going. “Franz Boas I” is a fantastic homage to surf rock which is followed by the ambient and dreamy “Franz Boas II.” “Milk and Honey” which is the arguable highlight starts with acoustic guitar and turns into such a versatile fun track. It’s really a thematic song with so many enjoyable twists and turns. The violin is just so good on this track.

​“Watib” has a bit of a vibe somewhere between Tom Waits and garage rock while “Jamaican Showers” slow things down a tad with piano, vocal harmonies and some other elements. “Bird Watching” delivers as well with rocking peaks and dreamy, ambient sections. They close with “Pastel” which is emotionally resonant and also has some cathartic punk  like vocals.

This band is ridiculously talented. They don’t have a tinge of pretense and are able to make songs that are not only catchy but experimental. A rare feat indeed. Congrats.

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