Jesu’s Why Are We Not Perfect is an ambient cloud of an EP, featuring swirling waves of sound and noise that calm the spirit.
The EP is basically designed to tide over fans of the Justin Broadrick-led experimental/ambient/drone/shoegaze band until the release of a new full length. It is composed of five tracks, three of which were previously available on Broadrick’s 12-inch split record with Eluvium. The other two tracks are remixes.
Much has been made of Jesu’s previous work in the music nerd circles I so stylishly attempt to frequent. The self-titled full-length from 2004 achieved critical acclaim for its attention to thick sludge details. It was Conqueror from 2007, however, that really sealed the deal for most fans. Broadrick and his band achieved the sound of “indie metal,” pulling encrusted drone and ambient effects along for the ride on a surprisingly melodic album.
Listening to Jesu, it becomes apparent that Broadrick has not only a sense for sound but a craving for it. He keenly engages himself in the pursuit of noise, chasing down pleasant spectres of sonic joy on the sides of thunderous cliffs.
Broadrick played guitar for Napalm Death in the mid-'80s before changing directions slightly for the industrial metal of his founded band, Godflesh. After Godflesh, Broadrick embarked on a slew of other side projects. Jesu was one of them.
With Why Are We Not Perfect, listeners get a chance to experience some of Broadrick’s more heavenly productions. The music is filmy and light, yet deafening bass rumbles below threatening to destroy everything in its path. Despite the generally blissful nature of the music, Broadrick’s compositions never really put the listener at ease.
“Farewell” floats in on faint butterfly wings and settles into a gently winding song that feels like a journey. Broadrick cuts elegant landscapes of sound over one another and his delicately marvellous vocals float over the glossy milieu. An alternate version is included, timed to a heartbeat and tinged with exciting bass.
Article comments
1 - Christopher Rose
Haven't heard Jesu but I was a big fan of Godflesh, who I saw play several times in London
2 - Jordan Richardson
I'd start with Conqueror. But yes, Godflesh = epic.
3 - zingzing
broadrick is one of my favorites. one of the few in metal who's tastes i can agree with. he's never made a false move, other than maybe ramming home an idea for far too long... or maybe it's that his ideas (i'm talking career-wise here,) change very slowly... this release is certainly different from the first jesu releases, which were germs for an idea that started to fully take hold around the silver ep. his sound evolves so strangely. i want to hold his hand and let him lead me somewhere.