$\m/ - Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM]$ Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM]

**danni_lou33** · 02:42 PM

I was terrified when news got around that Mystery Jets were ready to release their second album. Perhaps petrified further when it arose that mash-up queen Erol Alkan was in line to part produce this next record, especially after lending my ears to his uninspiring rework of the Jets� initially amazing earlier single �Zootime�. In fact, debut LP release �Making Dens� was so compellingly flawless that I almost wished the Twickenham-based four-piece would never even attempt that notoriously difficult second coming, and leave me able to soak up their glorious first-offering with no �buts� in my mind for evermore. Thank God I am not in charge of such things � for �Twenty One� is, thankfully, all I�d hoped for and more.

Despite the cheesy intro of what sounds like looped air-raid siren samples, the quirky quality I�d expect from the new-wave progsters runs right from opening track �Hideaway�. Even though the band�s trademark improv-inspired no-frills sound prevails throughout it�s fascinating to listen to their shrewd approach to songwriting. Interesting musical ideas and deliberate, clever harmonies are bound together by lead singer Blaine Harrison�s clear-cut yet vulnerable howls; lyrics are witty and concise and 100% brilliantly singalong-able. �Veiled in Grey� is a personal favourite, a soaring social commentary that highlights the stiff-upper-lip mentality of Britain today and our inability to deal with sensitive subjects, with scintillating references to spotting pink elephants at the end of the bed... generally, you couldn�t ask for a more British sounding record(!), which some may find tiresome, and it could be argued that maybe the Jets� haven�t developed their sound as much as they could have done second time around. However, singles �Young Love�, �Half in Love with Elizabeth� and the wickedly 80s-inspired �Two Doors Down� are definitely more commercially-produced than earlier releases and it�s evident that the band now has the confidence and strength to drive themselves to new floors and new audiences, which I reckon should be commended and not criticised. Whatever your opinion, �Twenty One� is at the very least worth 59 minutes of your time! (If you can, get hold of the newer edition of the album which features a cover of Aztec Camera�s �Somewhere In My Heart� � such an uncalled-for cover, but so worth it!)

pacmunchkin · Re: Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM] October 8, 2008, 01:30 PM

I wish they were better.
The Mystery Jets are from Eel Pie Island in Twickenham. I lived near the island and in Twickenham for the three years I spent at uni. As a result I am quite nostalgic about the place and finding out that a band from there have released an album this weeks fills me with happy thoughts... and then I listen to the album.

It’s not something that I really want to associate with a place that I hold so close to my heart. If they were just another uninteresting indie band then it wouldn’t be as bad because I could just disregard them and move on, but I think that this album is pretty bad.
All the songs are very similar and the singers voice drills into you a bit too much, like they have the treble up too much.

Listen to this album: While stood on Eel Pie Island looking at the house with all the dolls in the garden.

43%

lina-riot · Re: Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM] October 8, 2008, 03:57 PM

I love their Aztec Camera cover! But I loved the original too.

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> Press > Reviews | Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM]

$\m/ - Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM]$ Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM]

679 Records

October 8, 2008, 01:15 PM

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Re: Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM]

October 8, 2008, 01:30 PM

Re: Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM]

October 8, 2008, 03:57 PM

	#2
pacmunchkin Reviewoholic Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bath Age: 22 Posts: 31 Altsounds Dollars: 498.02 Rep Power: 0	Re: Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM] October 8, 2008, 01:30 PM I wish they were better. The Mystery Jets are from Eel Pie Island in Twickenham. I lived near the island and in Twickenham for the three years I spent at uni. As a result I am quite nostalgic about the place and finding out that a band from there have released an album this weeks fills me with happy thoughts... and then I listen to the album. It’s not something that I really want to associate with a place that I hold so close to my heart. If they were just another uninteresting indie band then it wouldn’t be as bad because I could just disregard them and move on, but I think that this album is pretty bad. All the songs are very similar and the singers voice drills into you a bit too much, like they have the treble up too much. Listen to this album: While stood on Eel Pie Island looking at the house with all the dolls in the garden. 43%

	#3
lina-riot Grunge Betty Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: London Age: 27 Posts: 197 Altsounds Dollars: 1,439.12 Rep Power: 1	Re: Mystery Jets - Twenty One [ALBUM] October 8, 2008, 03:57 PM I love their Aztec Camera cover! But I loved the original too.