One Hundred Suns the debut EP from Jonquil is not only refreshing but actually awe-inspiring. It feels like sensory overload - but it's not - or is it? I hear these songs. I taste these songs. I see these songs. I smell these songs. And ultimately, I feel these songs.
Hailing from Oxford, England - Jonquil was launched by three guys, Hugo Manuel, Sam Hudson Scott, and Robin McDiarmind from a bedroom floor. Self-described as Paul Simon's take on The Smiths - there's a safe emotional distance that Morrissey accomplished through his aching voice, that Jonquil captures with jangling guitars on a song like "It Never Rains". The difference is that The Smiths sounded like a late night cry - and like Paul Simon, Jonquil sounds like an early morning drive. Although I must admit, their naive optimism does almost come full circle and leave a ghostly echo in the back of your mind.
And to be perfectly honest, there has not been a sharper guitar riff this year, than the one on the intro to their first single "Get Up" (which you can download here, for free). The arrangements are lavish and sprawling - and yet ultimately minimal. They take a few instruments off the shelf and make them sound like the whole damn store. That alone is impressive.
Clearly Jonquil is a force to be reckoned with. This is a debut that feels like a continuation. It's like they're wrapping up some wonderful thought that they already shared with you - and yet you know they haven't...but they will. One Hundred Suns as a collection of songs literally will burst from your speakers and rain both joy and sadness on everything.
You can download "Fighting Smiles" here.
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