29 Mar 2024
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Curlys Jewels - Single Review: Absentee

29 Mar 2019 // A review by Shade

The truth can be many things - challenging, concerning, infuriating or even thought-provoking. It may be all of these things, or something completely different. It can become all-consuming and overwhelming, threatening to explode around you.

Other times it delicately floats in the background, drifting unconsciously until it is awakened, and someone pays attention to it.

This is how Absentee by Curlys Jewels starts; delicate and somewhat unassuming. A beautifully subtle prologue, Janelle's opening vocals are captivating and ethereal - in other words, simply breathtaking.

It's true what they say - first impressions count; and with this song, those first impressions are enticingly good. It is those first impressions that implore for the song to be played to the very end, over and over again.

It is obvious from the onset that this is a profoundly personal song and perhaps that is what makes it so relatable. The lyrics are genuine and heartfelt, Absentee depicts so much more than words on paper - it exposes deep emotions and raw sentiments.

Once the chorus kicks in, Absentee steps up a notch, elevating it to sophisticated levels. Each instrument complements Janelle's vocals faultlessly, making it appear as though the process of creating music is much easier than it really is. It is evident that a lot of attention to detail has gone into this song.

Aaron's guitar and Andy's bass coupled with Corey's drums are precise and exact, creating the perfect accompaniment to the lyrics. This is not music by numbers, this is a dedicated group of musicians who have worked together as a team to craft the ideal way to showcase Absentee.

This could be Curlys Jewels finest song to date.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Curlys Jewels

Curlys Jewels are a rock band from Wellington NZ. Their sound has been described as grungy yet powerfully emotive, pinned together with soaring vocals, dark guitar undertones and a punching rhythm section. The charismatic, colourful and instantly likeable front person, Jel Pollock, draws listeners in with her delightfully unique stage presence and sensational vocal range. Aaron Ludlow (guitar), Andy van der Heyden (bass) and Corey Bell (drums), provide the energetic foundations complimenting Jel, with all members lighting up the stage.

The band has released a number or records over the years enjoying success on the Official NZ Top 40 Charts. The past 3 Curlys Jewels singles were recorded at Roundhead Studios with the legendary producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers) and mixed by Clint Murphy (Devilskin).

Curlys Jewels have supported several heavy weight New Zealand bands such as Head Like a Hole, Devilskin, and toured with The Feelers. They also supported international rock stars Living Colour at their Wellington concert.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Curlys Jewels

Releases

Curlys Jewels
Year: 2023
Type: Album
Absentee
Year: 2019
Type: EP
The Skin We Shed
Year: 2017
Type: EP
No Apostrophe
Year: 2014
Type: Album

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NZ Top 10 Singles

  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TEXAS HOLD 'EM
    Beyonce
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • PRAISE JAH IN THE MOONLIGHT
    YG Marley
  • CARNIVAL
    Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • LOVIN ON ME
    Jack Harlow
View the Full NZ Top 40...
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