Jarret: Soulásky a samolásky - CD

Clever yet catchy songs supported by great vocals rank this band among the top of the Czech folk-rock scene. On their new record, Jarret presents imaginative lyrics, a vibrant performance, and refined musicianship.

Producer Peter Binder has managed to balance these attributes on their fifth studio album, playfully and aptly titled Soulásky & Samolásky (Lovemates & Self-Lovers), and enhance Jarret's unique stamp on contemporary folk-rock. Heartfelt confessions about loneliness and longing, unhappy loves, or happy loves with unhappy endings form the substantial content of the new album (and one song about drinking also makes an appearance).

However, Jarret manages to present these themes in their songs with an almost ironic rawness at times, and with perspective and lightness at others, so listening to the album doesn't create an oppressive atmosphere. A ballad is followed by reggae, blues gives way to rock, and there's even space for disco. This fusion of genres is another of Jarret's traditional hallmarks. Despite the genre crossover, Soulásky & Samolásky is very consistent, and Jarret remains Jarret.

In terms of sound, Jarret's new album stands up to the strictest comparisons, even though the studio arrangement doesn't differ significantly from the band's live production. The result is a dynamic album where the musicians aren't afraid of quiet and intimate moments, nor of intense rawness and gradation.

Tracklist

Prohrávám / K čertu / Připomínáš déšť / Vlak poslední / Andělé / Zavři teď oči / Sexy nimrod / Stokilová dáma / Ulice půlnoční / Queen a Jack / Song lodního kuchaře