dan's earworms

Top 10 of 2011

8: The Jezabels - Prisoner

I had very high expectations of this record, coming off the brilliance of their previous three EPs. They stepped up the production, creating a very heady, rich sound which, I will admit, took a little getting used to in places as it runs the risk of burying some quality songwriting, but is thoroughly engrossing. It’s not all heavy and layered though - when they bring it down to something more sparse and delicate, it’s still rich (sparse and delicate are comparative terms here) and packs one hell of an emotive punch. The best part is that, apart from the strings (used sparingly) they perform everything themselves. One drummer, one guitarist, one keyboardist and one stunning vocalist. They’re pretty kick-arse live too.

Top tracks: Horsehead, Long Highway, Catch Me