JJ72

Last Friday, after a very long live-sabatical, JJ72 returned to Ireland with a special, secret gig at Dublin’s PoD – a sort-of-homecoming. With their “difficult second album” safely committed to tape, and the room already full of high adrenalin anticipation (courtesy of the lucky fans who had managed to win, buy or steal a rare ticket).

It would not be stretching the truth to say that JJ72 are currently Ireland’s tightest rock band, and the intimate surrounds of tonight’s venue only confirmed this. More than just a great band though, JJ72 can create special moments reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins circa Siamese Dream. The band debuted around 10 songs from the forthcoming album and their sound seems to have evolved into a more complex, intricate form. Less immediate, but every bit as emotional and passionate as you would expect.

Songs such as ‘Serpent Sky’ and ‘Brother Sleep’ combined brilliantly layered guitar and Mark Greaney’s distinctive, cutting vocal. The rhythm section provide the bedrock for Greaney’s performance with Matthews pounding the kit and the immaculately sexy Hilary Woods finding a real groove. Predictably, the fans were at their most joyous for outings of favourites ‘October Swimmer’ and ‘Snow’, but crucially, also clearly appreciating the new songs on first listen.

JJ72 have moved on, they are growing as artists – but they still seem to struggle to enjoy themselves. They each play their own parts well, but refuse to interact as a band, (Mark and Hilary barely exchanged a glance all night) which distances them from the crowd.

The new album I To Sky is released in September and, judging by tonight, is bound to contain moments of greatness, though the album as a whole will take some serious listening.

The overall feeling tonight is that Mark and JJ72 have what it takes to write that perfect song, and may well do just that anytime soon.