Bitter Sister is a compelling EP from Jemmy Joe, offering a number of variations of the title observe — from ardent rock outpouring to a Impartial Milk Lodge-esque acoustic pulse. Jemmy Joe was initially a famous artist within the Bay Space folk-punk scene, enjoying banjo with For Concern The Hearts Of Males Are Failing. A transfer to Olympia, Washington coincided with a concentrate on residence recording and extra typical songwriting. The most recent instance of that DIY pursuit comes through the Bitter Sister EP, which enjoyably showcases the artist’s aesthetical and tonal vary throughout the similar tune.
A gripping mixture of acoustic and digital components adorn the opening “Bitter Sister (organized).” Clanking guitars and spacey synth unease meld with suave cohesion amidst layers of expressive vocals, enamoring significantly throughout the closing “my coronary heart ought to be properly schooled,” hovering. Glimmering electronics add an atmospheric grip alongside. Lyrically, Jemmy Joe describes the observe as “me processing by way of an estranged relationship with my sister,” — and that heart-on-sleeve prowess is actually delivered, reckoning with nostalgia, grief, and unresolved rigidity that comes with estrangement.
“Who’s this stranger, that I laughed with, after we had been so numb and tender?” the vocals ask, reflecting on a time of nice concord. A peppier post-punk feeling arises on the following “(broke and angular),” model, channeling a no-frills arsenal of bouncing bass and jangling guitar that culminates in an anthemic indie-rock vigor. The following “(cassette & lifeless)” take beckons to the aforementioned Impartial Milk Lodge, embracing an acoustic-led ferocity amidst the elongated croon. Capped off by the observe’s instrumental model, Bitter Sister is an inviting journey by way of Jemmy Joe’s compelling songwriting and eclectic stylistic modes.