Jubilee - Japanese Breakfast: Review
Japanese Breakfast
is the indie music project of singer, songwriter, performer and author Michelle Zauner. She burst onto the scene in 2016 with an indie darling debut album following her time as frontwoman of Little Big League. Her serious subject matter and instantaneous, infectious songwriting caught the attention of many indie fans. She followed it up quickly with a spacier more dream pop inspired sophomore album that also received tons of critical acclaim, before forecasting yet another change in sound with the singles leading up to Jubilee.
Review By Lav:
Japanese Breakfast was one of those musical projects that captured my attention from the moment I first heard the songs and never really let it go. While the first records dichotomy of simple catchy songs that tackled much more difficult subject matter was certainly compelling, I was even more in love with the follow-up Soft Sounds From Another Planet which really embodied a dichotomy of its own with distant atmospherically rich instrumentals and intimate vocal performances. I was surprised it took 4 years for a third record to come given the quick succession of the first two but Michelle certainly hasn't been quiet in the mean time. Last year she teamed up with Crying guitarist Ryan Galloway for an incredibly charming EP as Bumper. And earlier this year even as singles for this record were already dropping, Michelle was publishing her novel Crying In The H-Mart as if she wasn't already a versatile enough talent. All of this worked alongside the singles to build up tons of hype in the indie pop realm for a record that honestly, mostly lives up to it.
Lets get those singles out of the way first because they make up some of the records best tracks. Be Sweet was the lead single and I've totally fallen in love with it since it first came out. Not only is the hook utterly infectious with its shimmering rush of instrumentation, but its 80's flavored grooves are absolutely delectable on the ears. I'm glad this was near the start of the record because it has such a tangible expressive energy and adorable demeanor that it just makes everything feel right. Savage Good Boy is another big favorite that was released shortly before the record itself. Michelle's personality just overflows into this upbeat, key heavy indie pop banger. This song reminds me of her debut more than any other track here and I mean that in as positive a way as one could. In between these track was Posing In Bondage which I think is just good by comparison. It fits comfortably into the more distant and dreamy middle section of the album and the songs entire second half is a big highlight. Despite not being one of the loudest moments its evocative lyricism and Michelle's sensual vocals really help sell it.
The record gets off to a pretty rousing start with Paprika that doesn't waste any time with a preppy drum line and horn section making Michelle's high pitched vocals feel larger than life right out of the gate. While the songs transitions can be a bit of a drag for the most part it maintains a compelling pop energy throughout. Kokomo, IN is a slower track but not quite a ballad with a steady approach to its instrumental. There is a dreamy atmosphere but I wouldn't ever call the song relaxed with the persistent drumming and nostalgic lyrics. The song is good even though it lacks a grand finale, I do find most of the refrains somewhat catchy which is rare for a song with this kind of pacing.
The record ends off with a pair of its best tracks starting with Tactics a truer ballad. The hook is beautiful and comes packaged with a rush of strings that I can't help but sway along with. The song is gorgeous and I love the decision to make everything really forward in the mix as Michelle really delivers on the vocal side of things. Posing For Cars is a 6 and a half minute closer that really flies through its refrains in the first few minutes of the track. They once again deliver a combination of intimate performance and compelling lyricism that keeps me engaged. While I can see people calling the swaying instrumentation as a bit redundant the guitar solo that follows is a fantastic conclusion to the track and the record as a whole.
The middle of the record is unfortunately where it suffers the most, as aside from the singles the mix of tracks here can be very inconsistent. Sit is probably the best of the bunch as it features a dense rumbling almost electronic tinged instrumental hanging out in the background. The vocals have a chambered effect to the but rather than echoing into space they get sort of crushed by the sound flanking them. The lyrical content seems to address cheating and thoughts of infidelity which is actually highlighted by the hazy sound of its instrumental. The only part of the song I don't much care for is the really slow developing hook. It's fine the first time but the second time around it just feels like it leads the track to a bit of a flat conclusion.
Slide Tackle kicks off like many a John Mayer song with an easy listening combination of retro guitar and a loose groove. It's cute how Michelle uses the metaphor of slide tackling her own mind and manages to slip in a few soccer quips along the way. Unfortunately I think the song is just instrumentally way too nondescript save for the literal saxophone solos on the track that I can't help but see as a bit corny. In Hell is one of the shortest tunes here but I don't find it as satisfying. The clanky keys just don't sound great over what is otherwise basically an indie rock track. The best part of the song is the momentum building bridge but what it builds to is a hook that I think it just okay. While the songs lyrical content strong telling a story about how difficult it is to find someone you love but can't be with, the actual song itself could definitely use some help.
While Jubilee may not be the massive step forward some people hoped for from the Japanese Breakfast project, it is yet another solid set of tracks with an impressively distinct sound. Nobody is confusing this record sonically for Psychopomp or Soft Sounds but it brings so much of the same charm that makes those records engaging with it. Jubilee is occasionally nostalgic, often spacey and instrumentally diverse throughout. The only shortcomings the record has normally deal with songwriting which is admittedly unambitious throughout. Normally the charming nature of Michelle's performances and lyricism are enough to make up for it but that isn't necessarily always the case. Ultimately the record delivers on its promise and is yet another hit in the Japanese Breakfast collection. 7.5/10
Album Cover Review By Tyler Judson:For more indie check out my review of St. Vincent's Daddy's Home here
