INDIE MUSIC DIGEST - Independent Music Reviews

CD REVIEW: The Jesus Rehab - “The Highest Highs & The Lowest Lows"

By: Cyrus Rhodes

"The Jesus Rehab stands out from the rest"

- INDIE MUSIC DIGEST:-

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Artist: The Jesus Rehab
CD: The Highest Highs & The Lowest Lows

Label: Independent Artist

Website: www.thejesusrehab.com

Genre: Alternative Rock, Psychedelic Rock

Sounds Like: Muse, Oasis, Beatles, Radiohead

Technical Grade: 8/10

Production/Musicianship Grade: 8/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 8/10
Songwriting Skills: 8/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Seattle, Running in Place, The Highest Highs & The Lowest Lows

Weakness: Winded intros outros, sound effect meandering

CD REVIEW:

Seattle own 4 piece The Jesus Rehab releases their latest release entitled "The Highest Highs & The Lowest Lows." The CD was produced by Brin Addison, who has worked the boards for superstars Chris Cornell, Smashmouth, Smashing Pumpkins, Aimee Mann, and Indigo Girls.

The CD gently takes flight with Track 1 “Introduction” a melancholy intro piece that gradually builds with its eerie piano, sonic vocal harmonies, & apocalyptic vibe. This track merges into Track 2 “If it feels good, a rocking follow up song piece that serves up driving rock rhythms against, easy flowing vocal melody & hooky chorus. Track 3 “Memories are Better than Photographs” dishes out yet another psychedelic ditty against well placed harmonies, catchy vocal hooks from lead singer Jared Cortese. The CD makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 impressive songs in a row. As the CD slowly unfolds, I can hear many different musical textures reminiscent of such classic acts Beatles, Muse, Modest Mouse, Oasis, & Death Cab for Cutie & classic Radiohead. The music itself is an impressive blend of alternative college rock with a punk rock aftertaste that is psychedelic in nature. Cortese's voice goes down smooth & is full of passion, recklessness, vulnerability & bold honesty. His vocal timber is in cut from the same cloth as Bono (U2) & Michael York (Radiohead, & Matt Bellemy (Muse) You will also catch a slight vulnerability in the music & lyrical content that simply can’t be faked. The musicianship from all the other members in the band is above the bar & has everything you would expect from a standard 4 piece delivery. Also as impressive is some of the sound effects, synthesizer, keyboard & piano accents layered along the way. Cortese really makes the (singer to listener) vocal connection here with his emotional singing. The songs themselves are short & sweet musical experiences, each one possessing unique personality, flair & signature groove. Many of the songs have a theatrical intensity about them that make for a unique signature sound. From passionate “Behind Closed Doors” “reprise” & “Osmosis” to intense “Nervous Energy” this CD has something for just about everyone. . A few songs that hard like “Alone with Myself”. The CD ends on a real high note delivering 3 of my favorite tracks back to back “Running in Place”, “Seattle” & “The Highest Highs & The Lowest Lows.”

A few songs take too long to develop, with excessive intros, outros & sound effect meandering. The mix is adequate but not what I would call legendary as it just fails to grab you. Overall the production lacks dynamics & needs what I call more musical peak & valley mixing. Pro mixers have to work harder nowadays than ever before, so I will add the bar is set really high for bands like The Jesus Rehab. I also wish the guitars sat more prevalent within the mix. Track 5 “Osmosis” feels like an incomplete statement to me, * it's fair to say Track 11”Reprise” takes to long to develop & will drag you to the finish line.

Overall “The Highest Highs & The Lowest Lows” from The Jesus Rehab is a compelling collection of music. It’s strong suit – the vocal intensity & passion of lead singer Jared Cortese. Equally as impressive is the revealing nature of the music & vulnerability of the songs & lyrical content. I especially enjoyed the theatrical drama building’ quality to the catalogue. All in all The Jesus Rehab stands out from the rest with this unique sound. If The Jesus Rehab has a slam dunk live presentation then that would make then pretty damn lethal. So if you like college alternative rock that dishes out psychedelic groove you should jump into this CD head first.

Cyrus Rhodes