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Curlys Jewels - Single Review: Changes

30 Mar 2023 // A review by Kev Rowland

This is not a cover of the well-known Black Sabbath number, but instead it is a song written by the band with lyrics by singer Jel; about a close friend losing her partner to cancer, and with the inspiration for the lyrics coming from her memoirs. The rest of the band are Aaron Ludlow (guitar), Andy van der Heyden (bass) and Corey Bell (drums), and over the last ten years Curlys Jewels have built a deserved reputation as one of our most melodic and powerful rock bands and that is yet again what we have here. There is a poignant delicacy through this, with Jel providing the right amount of emotion to bring the listener right in while the arrangement is also designed to move us through ups and downs.

Jel’s vocals are always the focal point, but the accompaniment moves from slow-tempo rock to something with soaring keyboards and dynamics where Jel's vocals can rise, at another we get acoustic guitars and simplicity and yet another a nicely delivered guitar solo. This is a work of depth from a band confident in their ability to produce something which is not only a homage to a friend lost, but also able to stand on its own as a powerful piece of work even if listeners are unaware of the back story. It is an earworm which really gets into the brain, with production and performance which turns it into an anthem and I can see this being a major hit at their gigs.

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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