Mountains of Jura is a Los Angeles-based band formed in 2016, consisting of core members Daniel Cleland (guitars/vocals) and Jason Damiano (bass), with seasoned musician and producer Greg Paxton on drums. Initially a studio project, Mountains of Jura quickly made a name for themselves with their raw and powerful early recordings. Their first EP, which came out soon after they formed, displayed the raw energy of their early jams. While improving their music, the band performed at nearby venues and worked on creating fresh content, leading up to the release of their first full-length album, titled “Mountains of Jura (The Owl album)”, in 2022. This record represented a major advancement in their musical evolution, combining psychedelic shoegaze with progressive beats and eerie tunes.
Now, Mountains of Jura is back with their second eponymous album, titled “Mountains of Jura” (also referred to as “The Lynx album”). Dropped on May 31, 2024, this album delves deeper into the band’s unique mix of genres, offering seven new songs that push boundaries through carefully crafted songwriting. The record includes atmospheric soundscapes and slowly reveals a complex blend of psychedelic shoegaze. Every song features complex musical arrangements and polished production, courtesy of the renowned mixer and masterer Kramer, who is famous for his collaborations with Low and Galaxie 500. Kramer’s influence adds a mysterious and engaging aspect to the album, elevating its ambiance and sentimental complexity.
From the beginning, “Mountains of Jura” grabs the attention of listeners with its engaging melodies and evolving rhythms. Cleland plays intricate guitars that create a harmonious backdrop, with Damiano’s bass lines providing depth and texture. Paxton’s drumming offers a strong base, propelling the songs forward with accuracy and innovation. Every song is thoughtfully organized to produce a unified and engaging listening journey. One of the standout features of the album is Cleland’s singing. His voice is captivating and keeps the audience engaged with its haunting yet powerful tone. The words in the songs, while mysterious at times, convey a feeling of self-reflection and strong emotions, which enhance the band’s rich musical compositions.
Mountains Of Jura Album Track List:
Old Leon:
“Old Leon” is the first song on Mountains of Jura’s latest album, “Mountains of Jura”, establishing a eerie atmosphere for the entire album. The song starts with a haunting background noise that gradually reveals itself, captivating the listener with its atmospheric allure. This initial atmosphere, marked by its eerie and unsettling attributes, generates a feeling of expectation and intrigue. At the 1minute and 19seconds mark, the vocals come in, adding to the eerie feel of the song. The voices mix smoothly with the current eerie sounds, bringing a touch of human feelings to the otherwise eerie and disturbing background.
The combination of haunting singing and spooky melodies produces a song that is distinguished for its distinctive and captivating musical quality. The careful balance between the vocals and music arrangement keeps the listener captivated and tense, enhancing the overall impact of the track. By introducing listeners to its chilling atmosphere, “Old Leon” lays the groundwork for the rest of the album. The eerie characteristics of this song make it a captivating listen, prompting multiple plays to fully understand its complex and entrancing musical landscapes. Being the first song on the album, it sets the mood and tone while immersing listeners in Mountains of Jura’s unique musical style.
I Am Not A Program Part 5&6:
The song “I Am Not A Program Part 5&6” from Mountains of Jura’s album “Mountains of Jura” is a standout, captivating listeners with its dynamic and fast-paced rhythm. The song starts with a catchy rhythm that instantly captures interest, creating an upbeat atmosphere. The lively rhythm is matched with a melodic accompaniment that brings richness and a dynamic atmosphere to the piece, resulting in an irresistible vibe that is difficult to ignore.
The singing in “I Am Not A Program Part 5&6” gives off a captivating charm, providing an interesting element to the song. The purposely vague lyrics increase the song’s enigmatic and eerie feel. The distinctiveness of this vocal uncertainty, along with the infectious and rhythmic musical accompaniment, forms an original contrast that captures the listener’s attention. The steady rhythm provides a strong foundation for the song, holding together the different components and creating a unified and engaging listening journey.
“I Am Not A Program Part 5&6” is a rhythmic powerhouse with an appealing surface that captures the attention of listeners as a whole. The quick tempo and energetic tune of the track, along with the haunting vocals, create a standout piece on the album. It showcases Mountains of Jura’s skill in combining alluring rhythms with mysterious and atmospheric elements, creating a song that is unique and captivating in its musicality.
Reverse Creek:
“Reverse Creek” is a remarkable track on the album “Mountains of Jura,” distinguished by its exclusive use of instrumentation to captivate listeners from start to finish. The track’s instrumentation carefully and gradually unfolds, drawing the listener into its soulful texture. Each element is introduced with ease, creating a seamless and immersive auditory experience that maintains a cohesive and emotive atmosphere throughout its duration.
The beat in “Reverse Creek” serves as the foundation for the track, providing a steady base that brings the other instruments to life. This steady beat helps the different musical elements blend together smoothly, improving the entire musical arrangement. The peaceful tune that emanates from this interaction envelops the listener similar to a chilly midnight wind, creating a feeling of tranquility and reflection. The soothing nature of the track makes it ideal for times of introspection and deep thought.
In general, “Reverse Creek” is a musical masterpiece that distinguishes itself in the album by expressing profound emotions and reflection without relying on vocals. The meticulous arrangement and heartfelt tune produce a calming and contemplative atmosphere, establishing it as a song that deeply connects with listeners. The skillful composition of Mountains of Jura is evident in this piece, showcasing their ability to evoke strong emotions using only instruments.
Lost Days:
The song “Lost Days” from the album “Mountains of Jura” is known for its perfect fusion of rhythm and melody, making it stand out. The song starts with an enchanting rhythmic arrangement, creating a rich and welcoming background. The rhythmic base establishes the framework for the song’s development, captivating the listener right away with its complex yet approachable sound. At 35 seconds in, the vocal come in with a serene and heartfelt tone, blending well with the existing beat. The vocal performance stays calm and consistent in the song, adding to its peaceful and thoughtful mood.
The combination of the tranquil vocal and the rich rhythm results in a peaceful and engaging listening experience, pulling the listener further into the song’s emotional world. In “Lost Days,” the music consistently creates a rhythmic atmosphere, preserving the initial charm of the song. The cohesive and expertly produced music accompaniment complements the vocals, enabling a seamless flow from start to finish in the song. In conclusion, the combination of calm vocal and rhythmic music in “Lost Days” makes it a standout song that is very peaceful and memorable.
“Mountains of Jura” pays tribute to shoegaze pioneers while offering a unique and original spin on the style. The band successfully pays tribute to their inspirations while also establishing a distinct sound for themselves. This can be seen in how they mix well-known elements with fresh and surprising turns, resulting in a sound that is both reminiscent of the past and innovative for the future. Every song in the album adds to the overall story, leading to a united and captivating experience from beginning to end. The high level of production ensures that every subtle detail in both instruments and vocals is audible and valued. This careful focus on specifics leads to a final product that is refined and emotionally impactful.
In summary, “Mountains of Jura” exemplifies the band’s progress and development. It demonstrates their capacity to explore new creative limits and provide a moving, emotional listening experience. Fans who enjoy psychedelic shoegaze and progressive music will discover many aspects to appreciate in this album, which serves as a powerful and distinctive addition to the band’s body of work. Make sure you don’t overlook this mesmerizing album – give “Mountains of Jura” a listen and delve into its captivating atmospheres.
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