Junior Boys Begone Dull Care Review
Electronica Duo Release New CD Based on the Art of Norman McLaren
Jul 5, 2009
Jeremy Greenspan and Johnny Dark originally formed The Junior Boys based on their love and appreciation for UK-style synth-pop.
After some short-lived successes, Dark left the group and was replaced by Matt Didemus who along with Greenspan released two albums, 2004’s Last Exit and 2006’s So This Is Goodbye.
On their third indie-electronic album, Begone Dull Care, Hamilton, Ontario’s Junior Boys drew inspiration from Canadian National Film Board animator Norman McLaren, who made his short films by physically scratching and painting the film stock.
Of the album’s inspiration, Junior Boys write on their MySpace page; “the meticulousness of film animation is much like the process of sequencing and programming electronic music. On Begone Dull Care, there isn't a single sound emitted that feels out of place or like an afterthought.”
Begone Dull Care
At first listen, the short but lush album could be discarded as ambient music, extended tracks and subtle soundscapes that offer little variety.
However, repeated listens reveal underlying textures that sift through the otherwise mood music this album is destined to become, and expose higher planes of introspection.
Instead of crafting a floor-worthy disc of dance tracks, The Junior Boys have created an album full of electronic music best listened through a good pair of headphones.
Begone Dull Care unfolds slowly. Fans of the Boy's more accessible dance pop may not immediately find much to grasp onto. But for those patient enough to allow the record to simmer, especially when heard up-close, Begone Dull Care draws listeners in and surrounds them like a warm blanket in winter.
Bits and Pieces
Album highlights include “Bits and Pieces”, a lively mid-tempo track and the closest to dance music than any other cut on the album.
Another stand out track, the reflective “Dull to Pause” takes a pensive, soothing look at love. “Cause I don't want to share you/ so don't say goodnight/ no don't say goodnight,” Greenspan sings/whispers on this gorgeous piece.
The Junior Boys create hypnotic and dreamy landscapes on such pieces as “Work”, and add MTRKRFT-like programmed drums and retro-synths on “Hazel” but otherwise this is a slow moving affair.
Filled with layers of sound and ideas to devour and decode, The Junior Boys have accomplished an album that concurrently serves as relaxing background music and songs that set the mind wandering.
Like the short films that inspired its creation, Begone Dull Care reveals itself slowly adding new elements with repeated listens. A record to be savored, not shuffled.
Begone Dull Care is available now at all digital outlets.
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