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Harlequin Jones have set the bar pretty high for themselves with their introductory release, "ep.".
The six songs on this recording are driven by Miss Amanda Von Loon's powerful voice and oft rollicking piano but those elements would seem a touch lonely without Yishai Arcadio's drumming. He has the range and instinct to approach these songs with frequent jazzy fills and not just rock drummer thudding. Since "ep." came out they've lost their bassist, James. While isn't the end of the world there are times on this CD when the throb and menace of Amanda's dark piano lines are reinforced perfectly by the electric bass.
It may be easiest to label these Hollywood CA musicians as "post-punk cabaret" but Harlequin Jones seems less cinematic then other artists embracing contemporary cabaret. Even with a song title like "Zombie Vampires From Hell" this is a recording that seems more internal than theatrical. Less of what you'd hear at a decaying burlesque theatre and more akin to the band that would be playing at the corner drinking den where you go to wash away the memories of bad love in a sea of gin and tonics. But this isn't a set of simpering, self-indulgent songs. Von Loon has force and authority in her singing and playing, like PJ Harvey at her least abrasive. You never feel sorry for here, but you do feel her.
Other artists may have ruined the excellent playing and wonderful pop-based songs by watering down the recording with too much production. Everthing on this CD is clear and sharp yet the production never files off those tastey, jagged edges. Let's hope they don't take the road of so many other artists and flood away their sound with a bland studio and producer on their subsequent recordings.
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Harlequin Jones
http://www.myspace.com/harlequinjones
Oms-b
http://www.myspace.com/omsb
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