J2 is the resulting collaboration between Jarboe, longtime member of New York City based art-rock band Swans, and Jesu/Godflesh member Justin K. Broadrick. The music here is kind of tough to describe, certainly not metal, to abstract to even call prog rock, as Jarboe makes her voice alternate between operatic, annoying warblings and almost spoken word vocalisations not too unlike Bjork, with Broadrick's waves of varying sounds bubbling underneath. The first two tracks here, "Decay" and "Let Go", border on unlistenable, and it's not until "Magick Girl" where things take a turn for the better. Here, Jarboe goes for a more angelic tone, and Broadrick lays down some crunchy guitar riffs, acoustic guitar strums, and bubbling synths. It's a nice effect, and reminds a bit of The Gathering. However, things start to turn rather unfocused and chaotic again with the ensuing "Romp" and "Tribal Limo", two songs with too much going on both vocally and musically, coming across like a painter who is just dipping his brush in various colors and splattering the canvas any which way he can. Closing number "8mmSweetBitter" ends things on a high note, with spacey synths and a catchy ambient, trip-hop vibe, Jarboe not entering the fray till the final minute or so and for the most part letting the music take you on a dreamy journey. All in all, I'd have a hard time recommending this release. With only two tracks worth any serious merit, J2 is really only going to appeal to the avant-garde crowd or ardent followers of the two artists involved.
Track Listing
1) Decay
2) Let Go
3) Magick Girl
4) Romp
5) Tribal Limo
6) 8mmSweetBitter
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