There isn't much I can tell you about this California-based art rock trio. The central figure here is clearly singer/pianist Amanda von Loon, accompanied by James (just that, James) on bass and Yishai Arcadio on drums and guitars. In terms of atmosphere the music on this 6 track EP can roughly be compared to (let's say) NICK CAVE, PJ HARVEY, TOM WAITS and/or THE DRESDEN DOLLS. In other words, this is nobody's idea of a party record. Upon the first listen I wasn't too impressed but this is one of those albums that definitely requires a few extra lessons. Then you discover that there is nothing wrong with the quality of the song material on offer and a definite plus are the vocals of Amanda van Loon who has one of those 'deep' voices (think Jonette Napolitano and whatshername from SLEATER-KINNEY - only darker). For those reasons alone I wanted to like it more than I actually did but I can't help feeling something is still missing. Like I said, the songs are good but nothing much happens in them. It all stays rather flat. Maybe that's the point and I'm just not 'getting' it, but when on the fifth track the piano is traded in for some mean snoring guitar riffs it definitely comes as a breath of fresh (or foul) air. The talent is there but I have the feeling that HARLEQUIN JONES haven't completely bared their teeth yet.

- Van Hoften

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/harlequinjones

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.