The Jeunes, featuring front man James Hall, broke up in 2005 after three years and one EP. So what is the story about "Strangers in the Night" surfacing now in 2009?

First, a little background. James Hall was featured here last year in our review of his current power pop band, Shake Some Action!. Prior to Shake Some Action!, James was heavily invested in The Jeunes, a project that produced much more than the four tunes heard on their EP release. James has revisited these "lost" unreleased recordings and meticulously got them in shape to see the light of day on "Strangers in the Night".

"Strangers in the Night" does not sound like a hodgepodge or lazy effort by a self-indulgent songwriter eager to get loose ends of his songs tied up. If I had not known better, I would have taken this record to be a proper and professional full-length release. So hats off to James for a job well done in revitalizing these tunes. Like Shake Some Action!, The Jeunes have a distinct Hoodoo Gurus sound mostly due to Hall's vocal styling and tone. Unlike Shake Some Action!, music by The Jeunes is less sunny and poppy. The darker and moodier edge actually suits Hall's vocals really well in my opinion. Opening track, "High 5" sounds like it drifts right in off a stormy sea, and there are some other surf rock elements to be found here (e.g. "Missing Person"). The raw and grittier side comes out strong on garage rock tracks like "Obvious" and "What You Do To Me" (not a Teenage Fanclub cover). The pop rock side is evident on the excellent "Time Is On My Side" (not a Rolling Stones cover) as well as "See You Again" and "It's Alright" (not a Candlebox cover). The CD contains a bonus track version of "Never Be The Same" mixed by Jyoti Mishra (White Town) - this one will probably be just for fans of White Town.

The Jeunes will appeal to fans of Hoodoo Gurus (especially during their "Blue Cave" period), The Cure, and The Stone Roses.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11 Bill's Music Forum

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, July 25, 2004

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., 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., April 28, 2004