J.E.L.L.i. // EP Review

Posted by Joey

WEBSITE: http://jellimusic.com
MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/jellimusic
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/jellimusic
PURCHASE: Amazon MP3

J.E.L.L.i. is the brainchild of one man show, Christopher Sauter. His recently released, self-titled debut EP is a short record with a lot of variety spanning emo, punk, hardcore, and indie rock. The EP is rich with texture and is an all-around fun listen which is especially impressive considering Mr. Sauter was also responsible for all aspects of the production.

Vocally, Sauter shares a lot of the same pronunciations found on Greenday's albums, ripe with choppy, colorful melodies outlining catchy, memorable lyrics. Emphasizing this youthful, and energetic sound is the idea that Sauter is an exceptionally ambitious mind. Along with having written, recorded, fully producing his album, Sauter made artwork for both his album and individual songs, as well as a fully functional webspace, brimming with information and ways for fans to help J.E.L.L.i. expand and get public. Chris Sauter is one of the few truly independent artists out there that deserve the right to call themselves such.

Instrumentally, it's not as though Sauter hacks away at each of the instruments that make up the ep's landscape. In fact, the opposite is true. While drum and bass are the most simple of the instrumentation, they're consistent, solid, and highly effective. Guitar is clearly Chris's forte and he's taken the time to emphasize that. "I Am Blank - Nothing" sports some cool riffing while "Jenn" displays a more improvisational edge, beautifully sculpted and nestled into the heart of the already catchy track. I'm skeptical of the ability of the project to stay afloat if there is no live band to recreate the tunes on the album, but no doubt Sauter is figuring this out while he simultaneously records his next album, does the dishes, makes a living for himself, and determines how he can further promote this engaging, unique, and impressive project.

"Jenn" off of J.E.L.L.i EP

FAVORITE TRACK: "Jenn"
FOR FANS OF: Greenday, Brand New