The German dream-rock/noise-pop/shoegaze trio Jaguwar formed in the summer of 2012 and is currently made up of members Lemmy Fischer (vocals, guitar), Oyemi Noize (vocals, bass), and Chris k (drums (Arian Mauksch played drums on the EP)). With a love of My Bloody Valentine in their collective heart, Jaguawar fused the wall-of-sound guitars of that band with a punk rock attitude, creating intensely distorted and dynamic powerhouse soundscapes graced with amorphous, androgynous vocals that float above the frenzied fray. The band released its 1st EP this past spring and it’s a spectacular sonic blast of My Bloody Valentinesque distortion drenched feedback and warped sway. Noise and melody on a bender blend together in pure exhilarated and accelerated bliss. The I EP is 4 songs long (Which is way too short!) and bowed on Boston, Massachusetts Prospect Records.
EP leader “Breathe Bullets Which Taste Like Pure Fruit” may have a nonsensical title, but the sonic impact is mighty with heavily pummeled drums and careening guitar propulsion. Deep jags of ringing guitar distortion carve out ragged caves of noise while Oyemi sings lightly, although unintelligibly, shadowed by Lemmy in the background. Next number “Muffhead” is equally compelling, starting out in a drowsy, warped slumber and then lurching drunkenly forward with loops of wavering guitar distortion and conflagration. A steady, yet kinetic drum beat holds it all together in fine style while Lemmy takes the lead vocally and Oyemi mirrors his hazy tone.
“Wendy” crackles with a simmering tension of smoldering guitar afterburn and little bits of picked guitar and other sounds in the background. It’s the comedown number, but it still keeps the listener on his/her toes. Last track “Lower” bursts out of the gate with menacing guitar jags and hard-hit drums. A higher pitched warble of guitar distortion briefly appears before being replaced by Oyemi’s sweet, breathy vocals. The foreboding, droning guitar tones and pressing drums never let up, leaving the listener in a breathless swoon by the end of the EP.