Album review: Juniper Youth – Blood Remembers

Juniper Youth are very much a family affair. Comprising vocalist Jarrett Ring and childhood friends Shan Davé (guitar) and his brother and Bad Rabbits drummer Sheel, this debut album is a record built on 20-plus years of love and friendship, and the bond between its members is evident in the emotive and affecting delivery. Comprising nine tracks of ethereal post-rock, it’s a contemplative, thoughtful album, and one which sets the band up well for future progression.

A key facet of Juniper Youth is their penchant for Shan’s guitars to take centre stage over Jarrett’s vocals, a welcome differentiation which adds to the intrigue of their sound. It’s something best evidenced by the excellent Time Will Forget, as well as opening track Full Sun, whose sprightly guitar melodies offset the bleaker elements of its sombre post-rock. Another standout moment is ’80s-tinged synth number Boys Of Winter, which mixes up the formula nicely and adds a welcome change of pace.

Blood Remembers is a record any alternative music fan can turn on and – owing to its contemplative and inoffensive sound – take something from. If there’s one criticism to be levelled here, it’s the lack of any true ‘wow’ moment that really prompts you to stand up and take notice, but so too do Juniper Youth bring enough ideas to the party to suggest further, more striking sonic developments are within their grasp.

An introspective and well-executed debut full-length, this is a solid foundation from which its creators can build. Add a little more temerity next time out, and there’ll be no stopping this band of brothers.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: blanket, Electric Century, Deftones

Blood Remembers is self-released on March 25