If there is anything to be said about the new Jeudah record While We Sleep, it is that time and distance should never be seen as a barrier to creativity. A collaboration between Kristian Karlsson, multi instrumentalist with Pg.lost, and Khoma vocalist Jan Jämte, While We Sleep substantiates that not everything needs to be done within the constraints of convention.
Since 2008 the Swedish duo, based eight hundred kilometres apart, have been creating the album around countless hours of talking online and experimenting alone in front of amplifiers and microphones, then bouncing ideas back and forth. Having not many chances to meet in person due to the schedules of their other projects, While We Sleep on the whole is quite an astonishing achievement.
The first release from the record 'The Edge of the World' is a gorgeously, bruising piece of music falling somewhere between Radiohead and Sigur Ros, but still managing to retain a uniqueness of its own. It is also only one of two tracks that feature guitars on the entire record, which can be seen as a surprising and brave move by Karlsson and Jämte. This strategy for the most part pays of well for Jeudah with songs like 'Things Fall Apart', the records sublime opener, and the rousingly, uplifting 'A Ghost That Never Leaves'. Unfortunately however it falls flat on its face with the track 'Seconds' which just seems to fit uncomfortably with the rest of While We Sleep. Coincidentally or not the records outstanding moment comes with the guitar laced 'Black Swan', which demonstrates Jämtes amazing vocal range and Karlssons musically ability to perfection. Simply put, one of the best songs of the year so far.
So while Jeudah should be applauded for their perseverance and respected for their DIY ethos in the making of While We Sleep, the band can be doubly proud as the music on the record, with the exception of 'Seconds', is also something quite outstanding. It is enshroud in places with a beautiful fragility that is blended very intelligently with something darker and heavier to create a debut that is original, stylish and powerful. A long distance job well done.
While We Sleep is available now on Blackstar Foundation.
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Since 2008 the Swedish duo, based eight hundred kilometres apart, have been creating the album around countless hours of talking online and experimenting alone in front of amplifiers and microphones, then bouncing ideas back and forth. Having not many chances to meet in person due to the schedules of their other projects, While We Sleep on the whole is quite an astonishing achievement.
