Want new music that will bring you those 90s alt-rock feel goods? Go ahead, be Naive.
The latest album by Audio Jane, Naive is an atmospheric indie-rock collection that takes you back in time, in a good way.
With influences such as Aimee Mann, Mazzy Star, Radiohead, Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins, the new album also has recollections of Everclear and Chris Isaak. It’s shoegaze mixed with pop, and the catchy melodies are seemingly reminiscent of some teen soundtrack you swear you’ve heard before, but can’t quite put your finger on.
Possibly the strongest track on Naive is “Atmosphere.” It’s a soft-rock song carried by another strong melody that really stands out in the closing interlude.
The Hartford, CT band is certainly supported mainly be two strong elements: the vocals of Sarah Pech and Mike Goldberg’s lead guitar.
Any professional singer that appears effortless with their craft is solid. Although breathy, Pech has that quality. The upcoming album, out April 4, is carried largely by Pech’s strong vocals. My only knock is that she doesn’t demonstrate a large range, meaning many of the songs tend to sound the same.
On the other hand, Goldberg’s guitar licks are pleasantly robust and mesh with Pech’s vocals perfectly.
“Smile” almost has a jazzy feel to it, a track which transitions nicely with bright guitar and a terrific buildup bridge that uplifts the song even further. “Gone For Good” has crunchy riffs that really pick up steam while also having a very clean sounding lead guitar anchoring the track. Nearly every song on the record has that ‘mmhmm nod-your-head’ moment that comes from the lead ax.
After listening to the album several times, the two tracks that I kept coming back to were “Atmosphere” and “Starry Eyes.” The latter includes a heart-wrenching repetitive “no self control,” line that sums up the song’s meaning.
Naive is a catchy record that has its place. It has an old-school quality about it that’s endearing for sure. It also lacks dynamic.
Overall, Audio Jane, while a band that can take you back in time, is also one which seems would be better live. It’s music that wants you think while you feel. Personally, I would rather pay money to see that in person.
Josh Helmuth is an editor for Crave and a longtime music lover whose first record was Eric Clapton. However, his first concert? That choice he will take to the grave.
Naive by Audio Jane comes out April 4.
