San Francisco based Benvenue debut EP (that would be extended play people, because there are really only eight songs out of 11 tracks) Jean Elizabeth at its best moments sounds like the much underrated Samiam (Samiam was pre Foo Fighters… ya dig)? With some nice touches of Living Colour thanks to the fantastic Bass player Mr. Tommy Aldo Sonin. Calling Benvenue metal in any capacity does them and the metal community a disservice, they are alternative hard rock… nuff said on that deal. There are some big nasty guitar hooks on some of the tracks but where Sid Slater really shines on guitar is on the more moody psychedelic meandering he peppers this record with. Moon on drums, sounds nothing like Keith Moon so don’t worry. Moon is good with this unit because he has a nice post punk feel that gives this music a nice tight hit. Francis Blay is the singer and he is very strong and very good. Most importantly for me is I really get the sense that Blay and the rest of Benvenue get actual joy from the music they play it’s very apparent on these recordings and I am looking forward to catching these kids live if I get the chance. If you wan’t a really good intro to this new band go to I-tunes and buy Here’s To You, 21/8, No Way, She Did and Come with me (for a little of the mellow after the rock storm). She Did is the obvious single but for my money it’s all about No Way. No way? Way. In truth Jean Elizabeth is very well produced, however I think this is one of the few bands I have heard in the last few years that could carry off the super produced record. The only slight misstep for me is the kinda boring acoustic version of Dark Streets, I like acoustic songs but there has to be a point to them and this one doesn’t go anywhere and the production is blah. I think these guys have a really good shot of building a fan base. I really like this band and I will be keeping tabs on them. What’s up with the bay area putting out the best music in 2010?
3.5 (out of 5)
J.S.L.