jj are a goofy and ethereal duo from Sweden who make plaintive balearic hip hop-referencing ballads and beats. With such influences they are bound to be hit or miss on occasion (jj no. 3). However, Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander are preparing jj no. 4 for a release in June and after dropping a few videos from past records, they delivered "No One Can Touch Us Tonight" and "Ice" on our metaphorical doorsteps yesterday.
These two new tunes are frightfully exciting because they recall the best of what jj offered on their wonderful debut album. "No Can Touch Us Tonight" contains some fragile guitar-work, icy synths and a classic worldmusic-esque beat that, combined with Kastlander's star-gazing vocals, instantly defrosts the room. Lil Wayne gets a fuzzed up appearance and it's a pretty hilarious ending to an otherwise angelic track.
"Ice" on the other hand is a slow-burning lullaby. Synths and strings swells and Kastlander sings us gently to sleep. Both songs prove that jj haven't nearly fallen off the wagon and places jj no. 4 on my anticipated records of 2011 list. Keep your ears open.
Listen:
jj-"No One Can Touch Us Tonight"
jj-"Ice"
Look:
jj on Sincerely Yours
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