Regions, the most recent independent release from Jacobstone, is an album that really has to be considered as two separate ventures brought together on one disk. Whereas the first four songs are essentially the band's latest EP, the following 11 tracks are a soundtrack created to be used in a project titled "In a Field of Poppies."
The opening four tracks of Regions are a wonderful display of the growth that Jacobstone has made as a band since its founding in 1996. The group offers up four solid indie rock songs without the trappings of self-indulgent solos or over-complex arrangements. As always, AJ's intense vocals are supported by first-rate accompaniment. The dreamlike, almost floating, tones of each instrument meld together to give a very natural feeling to the music; the sound is sincere and genuine. The quality composition gives validity to the earnest vocals, as pleading lyrics such as "Hold me now. Dump me out. Make me clean. Pour me out." are sung. The second track, "Holding," then builds and eventually climaxes with the longing cry, "I will run to find you. I will run to see your truth." It takes a special combination of musicianship and passion to make these words come alive, and these five men do it well. This is a band that can produce excellent music without falling victim to pretense.
"In a Field of Poppies" is an artistic endeavor aimed at "producing dialogue between the exclusive and competing communities of the Balkan region." Paintings by Richard Harden are displayed while the music, which Jacobstone created specifically for the project (the later portion of Regions), is continuously played. Voices and other sounds from the region can be heard among the layers of instruments on this recording. While it is difficult to form an opinion as to the effectiveness of a soundtrack without having experienced the piece of art, one can imagine the effect that this musical work could have upon an observer. Even while hearing it in a vacuum, the music gives the listener a feeling of voyeurism. It is as though you are seeing thru someone else's eyes and watching as something outlandish unfolds.
The soundtrack is rather ambient and combines various textures and unusual samples to create an intense experience. While an analysis could go on for pages about the ingenuity of this recording, one example will suffice for the purpose of this review. In "Birth/Rebirth" the music breaks thru predictable forms and structures to create a song that causes one's ear to perk up and take notice. This is done with the use of a steady background of atonal noise upon which is set semi-tonal layers of vocals and a rather captivating piano melody. This combination gives the song a commanding and eerie sense as the surreal piano part hovers seemingly just out of reach. In short, this soundtrack is unique and powerful.
Each half of this album is very well crafted, but the album is truly two separate projects. Having said that, Regions holds many sonic pleasures and is well worth your time.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth August 2002Reviewed by Chris MacIntoshEvery once in a while a group will release an album that totally redefines the parameters of where Christian rock n roll can go. With their latest release entitled Regions the group Jacobstone has done just that. In actuality you can divide this project into two sections, the first is a four song set of good atmospheric rock produced by the band along with Aaron Shannon. The music was written by…The Phantom Tollbooth August 2002Reviewed by Alex KlagesThe title of the newest album from Jacobstone, Regions is an appropriate one in many ways. On one hand, there is the fact that the bulk of the work is the soundtrack for the travelling exhibition "In a Field of Poppies" and how that deals with some of the negative things about warring factions in certain regions. On the other hand, there is essentially two albums on the one cd, a four-song EP of…Similar sounding releases
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