A machine never will be capable of creating art that truly connects with one’s heart, because it doesn’t possess any organs, can’t feel, can’t imagine, can’t dream. As long as humans are here and have access to what we need to create, music always will be dominated by people who put their sweat and blood into their creations.
For second record “Human,” Jasmin Lempinen, the vocal and creative engine behind Jess By the Lake and who once fronted Jess and the Ancient Ones, retreated even further away from technology and into honest, organic creation with a full band. These nine songs ripple with fire and energy, Lempinen’s unmistakable beast of a voice dressing these songs with personality, charisma, and her husky singing. Lempinen also contributes guitar and Rhodes piano and is backed by guitarist Sampo Leksis, bassist Oliver Karttunen, and drummer Marianne Heikkinen, and they’re on fire here, feeling like a spark to your heart, which should be surging after you experience these songs.
“Jaleihou” starts with shrieks followed by psychedelic smoke, a bluesy churn taking over and swaggering, the chorus snaking through the yard. Lempinen’s wails remind of vintage Robert Plant in spots, and then the soloing scorches, sounds clapping before burning off. “Wanderin Kind” has guitars jerking and the pace driving, Lempinen’s singing flexing as it does, keys plinking before leads start up. The track takes on a dirty feel as the pace grows heated, the singing hammering home the emotions. “Lovely Boy” has icy keys and a dream state feel, guitars glazing and easing, Lempinen calling, “Black birds marking your scars,” her approach giving Fiona Apple vibes. The track bursts open as smoking soloing takes over, the singing soars, and the final moments bleed out. “Sister” buzzes and slinks, the pace feeling sultry, Lempinen urging, “Now it’s your turn to stand up and fight.” The ambiance turns swampy, and some great guitars works ignites, the desert heat landing.
“Alice” starts off a little playful, hypnotic guitars churn, and the pace kicks into gear, Lempinen’s spirited singing sending jolts. A warm solo swims as the momentum continues to bubble, everything surging before fading. “Falling Under” delves back into psyche waters, soulful singing swells, and the heat increases, pushing harder and letting blood flow freely. The playing splashes as new colors dash, Lempinen singing, “When you’re down, who will say your name?” “How Could You Tell?” trudges and shows off more crunch, the playing is steamy and alluring, and the intensity melts, Lempinen urging, “Carry her name in your heart.” Birds chirp and the pace shifts, the atmosphere tears back into time, Lempinen observing, “How beautiful everything is from up here,” before the magic subsides. “The Shame” slinks as the bass trudges, cool keys ice, jazzy coolness increases the fog, and you can smell the distant smoke in the air. “It’s never too late to lie,” Lempinen calls, guitars calming as the curtain drops. Closer “Holy Grove” brings punchy guitars and echoed singing, the riffs scuff, and keys add new hues to the clouds. Leads fire the engines as keys loop, the singing rises, and a thunderous thrust brings a breathless end.
“Human” is a good a title as anything for this record because it so obviously flows from the hearts and minds of Lempinen and her band, that you can’t mistake it for anything a machine might conjure. Jess By the Lake radiate with energy and emotion, and this would sound great in a live setting anywhere, needing just the band and the proper venue to give theses songs even more life. Those who profit from it have a reason to shove unauthentic art down our throats, but Jess By the Lake stand in defiance, ready to give their listeners something that floods with feeling.
For more on the band, go here: https://jessbythelake.bandcamp.com/
To buy the album, go her: https://svart.ochre.store/release/597611-jess-by-the-lake-human
For more on the label, go here: https://www.svartrecords.com/
Meat Mead Metal 