Harry
Zach
This is the second instalment of Collier’s ambitious ‘Djesse’ project. I somewhat enjoyed the first volume, however I thought there were many shortcomings that let it down slightly. Would Volume 2 provide the musical satisfaction I was craving from Collier?
While the the first volume presented a force of music on the grandest scale, Volume 2 is comparatively small scale, and the majority of the music features Jacob returning to his roots: his bedroom, to expand his sound he mastered on his debut. In my opinion this is the best environment for him, as I likened the first project to a child with too many toys in his pram. An encouraging start.
Similarly to the first album, Jacob has used the influence of other music cultures, namely African and Asian to expand his musical language, as it is safe to say he has mastered Western Music.
Stylistically, this album is kinda all over the place, and I don’t think Collier is presenting as coherent a world as he thinks he is. If I were to superimpose a theme or narrative onto it I would say it explores a movement from the most standardised folk harmony and western instrumentation to “world music” by the end of the album. This is very much my projection, as if there is a theme or narrative, it is very unclear, but I’d be intrigued to see what Collier says about this in an interview.
I think the style(s) of music this album presents shows Collier at his best. I think with the first album he was an excited kid in a candy shop but this album feels a lot more tasteful and considered, he chooses his moments to go big or go small, which is definitely to the benefit of the album. A highlight includes the transition from the epic ‘Moon River’, his biggest multi-track vocal arrangement to date, to the chilled out, stripped back ‘Feel’, a lovely Neo-Soul influenced song featuring some great vocals from Lianne La Havas. This transition almost feels like going from the end of Act 1 to the start of Act 2, and is very effective. Moments like this could simply not be found on Djesse Volume 1.
Also, last review I criticised his songwriting, however I think the songs themselves are much better this album, and have a lot more layers of interest to them, other than “I’m Jacob Collier look at me be good at music”. He seems to have matured already in the past 6 months.
Throughout this album, the good things about Jacob Collier remain, and the majority of the music on this album is just genius. Once again there is no doubting Collier’s talent and musical prowess. While holistically the project isn’t quite there yet, the music is great and significantly improved from Volume 1. What I look forward to in Volume 3 & 4 is to hopefully gain an appreciation of wtf Djesse actually is or what it means!
Definitely a step in the right direction.
Spazzy McGee 