The Invitation
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A Detroit duo who hover around the areas of psyche-pop and experimental rock, Jobbaloon tip their hat to the unconventional sounds of the ‘60s, as well as present day electronica on the 8 tracks of The Invitation.
After the brief, ominous spoken word “Introduction”, “The Invitation” follows with a synth heavy and beat friendly display that’s shrouded in mystery, and “Bm” continues the diverse landscape with a soulful pop delivery that welcomes keys into a dense climate.
At the halfway point, “Aligned” finds itself in modern indie-pop territory where a club friendly appeal is present, as are nods to Radiohead, while “Am” gets dreamy, vocally strong and extremely memorable. The quick album exits on the playful, upbeat “Days”, where some of the best singing resides alongside fluent drumming and, initially, acoustic guitar,
Joshua Achatz and Justin Squires, i.e. Jobbaloon, may not take themselves too seriously (their press kit says that don’t worship Satan but are friends with him), but their music is seriously creative, where they manipulate pop ideas in metaphysical, cosmic and highly unique gestures that you can’t help but be fond of.
Travels well with: The Pink Dust- Dark Seas; Drifting In Silence- Away