The only way to properly describe this album is sonic bliss. When word of the new Lemon Jelly CD began to circulate, my curiosity got the best of me. Nobody has utilized the electronic music genre to create unique, cinematic soundscapes as interesting as the duo of Fred Deakin and Nick Franglen. For their third LP they have delved into new territory, crafting their most diverse album yet. In ’64 –’95, the album title notes the range in years of the samples used on this ambitious record. In typical Jelly fashion, the sound architects have constructed dance songs around single melodic themes, but this time they have utilized a much broader library of influences. The sounds range from r&b to metal, yet somehow still keep the playful vibe for which Lemon Jelly is known. The first proper track on the record is titled “Come Down On Me”, which opens with a fat guitar cord, a sound that devoted Lemon Jelly fans are not accustomed to. “Stay With You” takes a basic house tune built around a sample of Gallagher and Lyle’s “I Wanna Stay With You”, which builds up into a blissful crescendo that is a guaranteed dance floor pleaser. “The Slow Train” revolves around the song title looping throughout the track, with a locomotive “chuga chuga” beat, harmonies that resemble a train whistle, which shows the visual imagery that they are able to create within their music. The album’s closing track, “Go”, is quite possibly the finest moment on this record. With vocals performed by William Shatner, the musical canvas uses color from strings, a Massive Attack-ish rolling bass line, and Captain Kirk’s patented spoken word delivery. But just when you think you have this song figured out, it erupts into a rock-filled finale, kicking your ass with guitars and distorted drum beats. In a genre filled with repetition and unoriginality, Lemon Jelly is proof that electronic music still has plenty of life left in it. Expect the unexpected with ’64 – ’95, and expect it to be one of the finest releases of the year.

Lemon Jelly
XL Recordings

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