At first glance, Jupiter One appeared to be yet another in a succession of dancey, Strokes-influenced New York City rock bands that filled Williamsburg and Lower East Side clubs seven nights a week during the late aughts. A closer listen to the group's sophomore effort, Sunshower, however, reveals a group that absorbed a dizzying array of influences and incorporated them into a distinctive, alternately celebratory and melancholy sound. The first track, "Volcano," opens with a disco-era synthesizer squiggle that immediately gives way to a riff reminiscent of the Who's "Substitute" before sliding into a slinky yet punky reggae groove which would have made the Clash smile. "Made in a Day"'s peppy beat splits the difference between Luna/Feelies-style early-'90s college rock and the pogo-ing ska of the English Beat, while the melodic bass and vocal harmonies of "Strange Teacher" make it sound like a Beatles' Abbey Road outtake. Despite the spot-the-influences nature of much of the material, however, the album never sounds disjointed. Jupiter One has a good handle on arranging and an easy way with a melody that ties everything together, making Sunshower an engaging and diverse listen. Pemberton Roach.
Title: Sunshower
Format: CD
Release Date: 11 Jan 2010
Artist: Jupiter One
Sku: 2138090
Catalogue No: RCD10982
Category: Alternative
DISC 1
Volcano
Lights Go Out
Flaming Arrow
Made in a Day
Anna
Simple Stones
High Plains Drifter Finds the Oracle at Delphi
Find Me a Place
Come On
Strange Teacher
People in the Mountain, People of the Ocean