Javelin - No Más

This is Javelin's (Brooklyn, NY) first official release, though their demo Jamz n Jemz (2009) had already gained notoriety. George Langford and Tom Van Buskirk the two principal members used and reworked about a third or so of the material from Jamz n Jemz here on No Más (2010). They chose to do so through the creation of more traditional song structures versus the chopped up free flowing pattern of the demo. The songs are generally short, anywhere from just over a minute to just over three minutes in length, so things avoid getting too stale. Generally there is enough going on in the songs to keep things fresh, the changes are smooth and the samples used nostalgic. The vocals work within the music and are also varied to such a degree as to avoid detracting. The editing of parts and pieces is the real gold here, creating a fully groovy and enjoyable album's worth of music.


Javelin - "On It On It"

I like how this songs lives in the high end of the spectrum, including the samples used, keyboards, and vocals. A very dance-able beat, but with the vocals as high as they are, we get more of a groovier sound out of. The percussion creates many electronic open high-hat and taps that help to keep an up-tempo going. Reverbing things helps to separate the percussion from the vocals and keyboard/synth blips, also forming chorus sections. The song closes following a repeated vocal part, possibly could have shaved a bit off of this but not necessarily a big deal.


Javelin - "Shadow Heart"

A change of pace within the album starts things off here. The hand claps, used so well on the opening track "Vibrationz", return here and when the drums kick in we get the calling out of the title of this song that quickly gives way to a robust horn section with a waltz like feel to it. Keyboards are spot on throughout the song, running over a variety of sounds and forms. Things are taken up to the higher end here as well, particularly towards the end of the song as the percussion lives on the high-hat and steady snare/bass drum beats.

I have read some criticism that the attempts at song structures and reworking older material signify a lack of creativity on the duo's part. I really don't see it. I can to a degree understand those that prefer the style of Jamz n Jems, and in some situations I would prefer it as well (say while driving around town), but I don't dock Javelin for going the formal song structure route for their first release. I think there is room for growth in song writing, but their talent at selecting nostalgically driven samples and sounds along with editing them within the songs is undeniable. Oh, and "Goal/Wide" is an excellent last song for an album.

The album is available in mp3, cd, and lp forms through the label's site, Luaka Bop.