The Jigsaw Seen - Winterland (Vibro-phonic Recordings)
I can go back a long way with The Jigsaw Seen. I was introduced to their music with the release of 'My Name Is Tom' in the early 90s, and then on to 'Zenith' in 2000, and 2003's 'Songs Mama Used To Sing'. I even got hold of the E.P. 'God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen' a year later, for my fanzine reviews. So, I‘ve occasionally immersed myself in their music, though it’s significant that all I have left is 'Zenith', an album that’s true to its title. There’s no doubt that it’s the pinnacle of their career so far, and this album doesn’t come even close to it. Based on a winter theme, every song has a connection to the season, and the more you listen to it the more you wish it were summer. 

It's not that the music is poor, it’s just so dull, so ordinary, with barely a moment that makes you crave for more. For instance, "December" is a tidy, pleasant instrumental, but doesn’t inspire repeated listens, especially when the tracks either side, opener "What About Christmas?" and "Angels In Pigtown" are just average indie pop songs, and seasonal to boot, which tends to limit their accessibility, right? I don't know many people who play Christmas songs any other time than, er, Christmas. By the time we get to "First Day Of The New Year" there’s still no reprieve from the average. I couldn’t find a single track that I wanted to listen to again, despite several attempts, which was such a disappointment. To be honest, I expected more from this well-schooled band than I found here.

In the past The Jigsaw Seen has concocted music from other artists, as a form of tribute, though 'tribute' band they are not, as 'Zenith' proves conclusively. Why they have not been more experimental with their own music is not clear, and although the idea behind this project is inspired, the songs are not, and I couldn’t be more sorry to write this up in this way. Sorry, because I was looking forward to another 'Zenith', in more ways than one.
www.vibro-phonic.com
Kev A.

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