Jamaican Queens introduced us to their turbulent pop two years ago with the release of Wormfood. After garnering acclaim and winning over new fans on national and European tours, the band started working on a follow-up. The resulting album, Downers, is a drug cocktail equal parts elation and depression with heaving, fuzzy synth lines sprinkled throughout. At some points it goes down sweetly and smoothly, while at other times it has quite the bite, but there’s no denying this record’s ability to balance the harsh with the pleasurable.
Though “Bored + Lazy,” “Joe,” and “Love Is Impossible” were shared ahead of the full release, none of them serves as a standalone portrayal of Downers’ vibe. It is truly meant to be heard front-to-back, to be digested in its entirety. That is not to say it is an inaccessible album. On the contrary, vocalist Ryan Spencer’s penchant for doo wop harmonies and expressive girl group melodies is perceptible on this record. His songwriting gives Downers a twisted pop sensibility, one that listeners can relate to even if it recalls unsavory memories long since forgotten.
While the album dwells on the dark side for most of its running time, there are swells of bright instrumentation that reach toward some kind of hope but keep falling short. Downers’ volatile nature comes just as much from its musicality as it does from its lyricism. Jamaican Queens — currently comprising Spencer, Adam Pressley, Charles Trees, and Ryan Clancy — have a knack for creating head-bobbing grooves only to muffle them with sweeping industrial synths or gruff bass. Their arrangements mirror the inner turmoil chronicled in the songs’ lyrics and one that many feel at some point: when you avoid going out due to social anxiety, only to find yourself lonelier and even more anxious when left to your own thoughts. Music can be a cathartic release of these glum emotions, but that catharsis is often shrouded by harsh electronics on this record.
Often, but not always. Album opener “You Can Fall in Love with Anyone” prominently features acoustic guitar, and the song’s somber tone is accentuated by simple drum and synth lines puttering around in the background, creating one of the prettier moments on the record. It also serves as a mission statement for the rest of Downers, at least thematically. “So stay pretty girl, stay/ I’m bleeding, I’m bleeding, I’m bleeding/ For you,” pleads a morbid Spencer. “And even though we’re lovers/ You’ll learn you can fall in love with anyone.” No matter how strong a connection two people have, love can be fleeting and futile. Try as they might, lovers can grow distant, and over time the cycle will start again with a new person. It’s an all too true reality, one that Jamaican Queens ruminate on quite often.
“If You Really Loved Me” is another charming number, arguably the most appropriate Jamaican Queens song to play whilst lolling in the sun. The intro fades in like a dream or an escape. It calls to mind the retro vibe that many indie electronic artists have tried to embody over the last five years or so, borrowing drum fills from the ’80s; however, the band don’t get caught up in simply sounding vintage, but rather emulate the best parts of forward-thinking pop artists (think Peter Gabriel or Scritti Politti). The track still feels like a Jamaican Queens creation, albeit a lighthearted one.
It’s nice to hear the group are capable of writing a carefree song or two, but they are probably more notoriously known for their lurching synth lines accompanied by Spencer’s sprawling vocal runs. In a live setting, where Jamaican Queens thrive, it is these moments that send a sudden jolt of energy through the crowd. Fists are raised, rabid fans are mouthing the chorus to “Bored + Lazy” and screaming along with Spencer during “Joe.” In a relatively short span of time, the band have already achieved royal status in a city bursting with musical history and new acts or side projects are popping up every week.
When asked about her fondness for Jamaican Queens, a fan responded, “They’re just a really good band. I don’t know; they aren’t like anything else around here.” It’s true, aficionados of electronic beat music and nostalgic sounds can both find things to love on Downers. Admirers of lyricism can appreciate the group’s blunt yet deep tales of morality, friendship, and depression. This album is without a doubt encouraged listening, but you may just want to see your therapist shortly afterward.
Stream Downers in its entirety below and download or pre-order a vinyl copy via Jamaican Queens’ Bandcamp page. Be sure to check out the group at 8:00 p.m. on June 6 at the Majestic Cafe alongside Little Animal for the Valley Hush EP release show. For further reading, check out our interview with the band.