Break It Up
When an artist decides to go it alone after plying your trade in a successful Punk band, it’s always a risky business trying to discover your new sound. What you produce could be a flop or could be a hit. Fortunately, Jemina Pearl has found herself in the latter bracket and created a very solid debut offering.
The release of Break It Up comes just over a year after much loved band Be Your Own Pet decided it would be no more. Her album with help from former Be Your Own Pet drummer John Eatherly, this is the natural progression from the chaotic, random and fun loving sound of their former band. But there are the signs of a girl who still wants to go and party but growing up at the same time.
It’s not to say songs like “D is for Danger” are tame and boring. Although this probably not the best track on the album as it is slow and just meanders along. But on “I Hate People” with a cameo from Iggy Pop, Pearl’s sarcasm and dead pan sense of humour are showcased by singing about the things that we all hate when we go out and the things that irritate us the most. And being darn proud of “hating everyone.”
Musically the album finds its influences from a swinging 60’s/70’s disco punk feel. “Band on the Run” is evidence of this as it is a stomp along, dance along, feel good song to leave a smile on your face. While singing about leaving home, growing up and being on the road, Pearl is potty mouthed as ever by “waving goodbye with a middle finger.”
Pearl uses this album to demonstrate the variation in her vocal talents where as in the past it was all about shouting and rage. She shows us she can hold a long note and surprise us. “Looking for Trouble” will get your head nodding with its simple and addictive bass line to go hand in hand with Pearl challenging your preconceptions you may have of her.
“Nashville Shores” also follows this formula with will leave you singing along in no time. It’s all about being grateful for what you have and not forgetting where you come from. Ending with a guitar solo borrowed from a country music style, the genre Nashville is famous for.
It ends with the biggest surprise. The Negative Approach tinged, fast, gang vocal filled “So Sick!” which draws all the best moments from all other songs into a 2.40 minute whirlwind which will leave you feeling, well, sick and wanting puke!
One of the great things about this album as it bridges the gap between the harshness of old Be Your Own Pet albums and the direction Pearl wants to go in. It will satisfy those fans, while pulling you in a new direction.
You might find her annoying. You might think she’s badass. But she has only given us a slice of what we can expect to hear from Ms Pearl in the future.
Manoj Koeri
Never Say 