Arriving at the relatively new Brighton venue fashionably early, we catch drifts of the Jeniferever sound check whilst basking in the evening sun. This is how to best appreciate Jeniferever’s atmospheric post-rock. Their records work to induce overwhelming serenity, though layering and cleverly crafted soundscapes. Almost allowing you to be at one with your surroundings, or something spiritual like that.
After a late start, support act Speak Galactic sets the tone for the night. For one guy, a bunch of effects pedals, guitar and sampler, he manages to create huge atmospheric sounds. Although interesting to witness, the overuse of effects detracts from the otherwise well written structures and melodies. The sound could also, in places, become piercing – although Speak Galactic is not entirely to blame.
Jeniferever embark on their 30 minute musical journey with the conduct of seasoned musicians. It’s refreshing to find a group more concerned with their sound than audience interaction, and equally refreshing to be part of an audience that expects nothing less. We last saw the group live in 2009, playing a similar sized Brighton venue to less than ten people. Tonight’s show is at a comfortable capacity, we’re not fighting for personal space and yet the venue feels ‘full’.
The coy Swedes guide a captive audience through a set heavy with material from their latest record, Silesia, and following EP Iris. The new songs go down well. The less instrumentally dense music allows room to single out each member and their admirable artistry, each playing an integral role in the feel of the music. Live, the songs transpose well and they manage to recreate the aforementioned serenity of their records. However, the denser material from their first record, notably From Across the Sea, sometimes sounds too full – again, not entirely the band’s fault. Admittedly, manning the sound desk for Jeniferever must be a huge task and Green Door Store (tonight’s venue) should ideally rethink their rig before accommodating larger bands with a wealth of instruments.
Jeniferever at Green Door Store
Tuesday, 19 April
WORDS BY LUKE HOPKINS
