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"The Jeunes play passionate, propulsive rock that glimmers with the steely darkness of Joy Division and the rangy lushness of Opal - guitar-led and blustery in the most enveloping of ways." - - Kathleen Wilson, The Stranger

The Jeunes kicked off the evening with their melodic rock reminiscent of The Cure {the earlier Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me years with some of the darkness of Pornography mixed in for good measure} but with Lou Reed replacing Robert Smith on vocals. Apparently this Lou Reed comparison comes up often but it's really fitting and combined with the bright British-style pop, it all makes for a lovely sound.

A number of people wandering into the Croc during the Jeunes' set found themselves compelled to stay and listen. I'm guessing a fair number of converts were won to the Jeunes' cause this evening. These local lovelies have been playing a fair amount around town. I strongly advise you to see them at your earliest convenience. - imaginary jessica, threeimaginarygirls.com July 25, 2004

One of the best songs on this comp is "Missing Person" by the Jeunes. Even though they usually don't sound like Sonic Youth, the vocals have that Thurston Moore quality paired with the dissonant guitar that could cause a car wreck on the expressway to your skull. The other songs sound like how I know the Jeunes - Jesus and Mary Chain sensibility without the high-end cacophony. This is ear candy for those looking for something that tastes just like honey, but drones on like a bumblebee buzz. - Paul Groth, nadamucho.com

This is music that reminds you of a time you would have done pretty much anything to be clued in to something great. The Jeunes' music is dreamy in an early- to mid-80s British/New Wave sort of way, yet quite comfortably anchored in the 21st century. The aptly named EP is the stellar debut of this Seattle trio, comprised of James Hall, Jaime Clapper, and Curtis Hall. With James on guitar, Jaime playing bass and Curtis handling both drums and keys, all three contribute vocals for a rich, often harmonious sound. Their bio cites likenesses to Joy Division, the Creation, Opal and the Kinks, among others. It's mildly dark, guitar-driven, melodic, and again, very dreamy rock — especially the last track, "Someone Else's Friend." There are obvious nods toward melancholy without making you want to fling yourself off the Ship Canal Bridge in the middle of a Seattle winter. The music is hook-laden, lush and timeless. After a few listens, you will be utterly smitten with this band.

The Jeunes' Four Songs EP will make you long for the drives to see the elder sister at college. It will make you want to stare vacantly out the back seat window with your 14-year-old eyes, the Walkman cranked up to 10, planning your college career around all the great discoveries you will make at the record shops. Special note to the Jeunes: I want more! - lee., threeimaginarygirls.com January 24, 2004

"Speaking of The Jeunes, this was the whole reason I was out on a school night. And I was damn excited. It's hard not to completely adore The Jeunes' EP Four Songs. It has been in very heavy rotation on my iTunes for about four months now — as it should be on, ahem, EVERYONE'S. Sadly, I had not been lucky enough to catch any of their shows up until this night. Anticipating their set, I was anxious to hear what was brewing in their practice space. And like the first mint julep on derby day, their nine-song set was oh-so refreshing and damn worth the wait.

Each dressed in black shirts and dark jeans, the band exuded a subtle, approachable coolness. The Jeunes deftly meld shoegaze-y distortion with a touch of British New Wave and a wedge of edgy, mid-80's prog flair that translates very well live. As if this should be surprising.

Singer/guitarist James Hall's guitar playing was thick and clean despite being plagued by some feedback, while drummer Curtis Hall crashed the shit out of his cymbals. Obviously having a blast, he hit them so hard that they would bounce four inches away from his kit, forcing between-song cymbal adjustments. All the while the lovely and stylish bassist, Jaime Clapper, would sway to the rhythm of each song.

They opened the set with a slightly dark and moody song called "Missing Person" and then launched into two songs off the EP: "It's Alright" and my favorite, "Someone Else's Friend." They then breezed through a bevy of new songs which left me awestruck and starry-eyed. "Time Is On My Side" was a rockin' tune peppered with James Brown-like howls in the background.

They wrapped up the set with "What You Do To Me," a blistering love song that left my ears ringing until the next morning. It was exactly the climactic finish the evening needed. The Jeunes did not disappoint and all the more reason why I continue to adore them." - lee., threeimaginarygirls.com April 28, 2004

 

 

 

 

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