Jellyskin - Milk of Magnesia

Milk of Magnesia

Whilst we kick off the year with a continuation of the shit storm that was last year, given that Trump is now president and the UK's government still in dismay, it would seem 2017 isn't ready to offer any kind retribution as of yet. But never fear, Leed's based trio Jellyskin have released a new track as of this month, representing "the smell of pain and the end of days" that could be upon us, whey-hey!

Not quite avant-punk but still avant-garde, and signed to independent record label Blak Hand Records, Jellyskin come back again with a track that's dark and brooding. Following their first two tracks, Milk of Magnesia is a little different and a little heavier. Having expected another single with ethereal vocals and wavey vibes, Milk of Magnesia is displacing but in the best way possible; showing off what the band can really do, and that guitarist Will can double up as lead singer too.

Jellyskin

The track is instantly eery and encapsulating, kicking off the song with distorted synths not too dissimilar to the sound of organs you would find in the Phantom of the Opera. As weird as this sounds it works, setting the darker tones for the 6 minute long track. As the track continues you can really sink you teeth into sounds that are reminiscent of possible predecessors such as Sonic Youth, and even The Velvet Underground, 'White Light White Heat' era. Although in saying this the song itself sets them apart in their own right, utilising classic hypnotic riffs and monotonous drums to make it completely trancing. Needless to say its weird and its equally as melancholy, and it comes with a trippy music video, what more could you ask for?

You can also catch the trio on lurking round the stages of Leeds, considering that they have been gigging now since September. Having already secured some support slots for Crocodile and Will Joseph Cook, it's worth watching this space.

Got milk? No? Then get yours here:
Jellyskin / YouTube
Jellyskin / Souncloud
Jellyskin / Facebook 

Jellyskin - She Sung Oceans

She Sung Oceans 

Greeted once more with the presence of Leeds based band, Jellyskin, our ears are met with their newest creation She Sung Oceans. Having only started as a band in the spring of this year, this steadfast trio have already released their first track Grey Glass Hat and have teamed up with fellow fresher band, Sealand, to create record label Sea of Skin. Hacking through a starter band's checklist, Jellyskin are hastily commandeering a market which seemingly demands for a sound that's as if Kate Bush had joined Sonic Youth. And given that the band's mantra is not to sound like someone else, it comes as no a surprise that their desire to 'have a distinctive sound  that people will attribute to us' (says lead singer Zia) is accomplished.

Following on from their debut track, Jellyskin have managed to continue the melancholic transcendence that started with a visit from a mysterious man in a grey glass hat in their first track now to a girl who apparently sings oceans in their second. In its efforts to upkeep the reputation from their first song, She Sung Oceans seems to dip its toes into the seas of grunge, dream pop, and psychedelia, flooding your ears with ambient vocals, metronomic drums, and trance inducing guitars.With a climatic middle and a synthesised conclusion, each genre that the track moves through rolls over you like a wave.

Jellyskin

With images of that Simpson's scene where a bunch of teens bob to Smashing Pumpkins, and the track's sonic waves crashing around you, She Sung Oceans truly is a transient hipster daydream.

Currently toying about with ideas of organising their own gig in Leeds, says guitarist Will, and with more songs in the pipeline, we can look forward to future for Jellyskin, because it's bound to be as big as Alison Goldfrapp's hair.

Find out for yourself and dive into the oceans that she (whoever that is) sang:
Jellyskin/SheSungOceans

Jellyskin - Grey Glass Hat

Jellyskin

It must be something they put in the water because, like many indie music pioneers, Jellyskin hail from 'up North'. However, this is not their leading feature, instead what stands out about this trio is their ability to make a song whilst balancing the life of a student. According to the band lead singer, and synther, Zia and guitarist, Will have always wanted to make music together, and with friend Olly being a drummer, they one day came together to work with some ideas. And with this the band birthed their first song Grey Glass Hat, and it's a corker.

The song starts off slow, with ominous syths, that are deeper than the voice of Johnny Cash, and elegant vocal's from lead singer Zia. It doesn't take long for the guitar and drums to make their entrance, really showing off the band's late 80s-early 90s influence creating a sound that's almost a grunge-shoegaze combo. With heavy synths running throughout, and mellow drums to compliment them, it's hard to believe that it's only three of them making so much sound.

Grey Glass Hat 

Whilst the song repeatedly asks you why you don't go, us as the listener asks the band why would we leave this dark and mystical place Jellyskin have managed to engulf us in; even if no one truly knows who the man in the grey glass hat is. The song is progressive, dipping right in the middle to finish on a crescendo that ends in a melancholic climax.

With a name like Jellyskin it's surprising that they can make something that is so structured and ethereal compared to the vision of wobbly flesh. Given that this is their first song, they have made their mark as musicians who can create music that is hauntingly beautiful and heavy at the same time. Sounding as if Smashing Pumpkins have had a love child with London Grammar, or as if a grunge band has taken choir practice, I'd watch this space because, as their name suggests, I have no doubt they're gonna make you as wet as pre-mixed jelly.

Wet your ears: Jelly Skin