Jeniferever - Silesia

Subtlety is a wonderful thing, especially where post-rock is concerned. We all know the formula used by bands who just want to ape the leading lights of the genre: quiet beginning, gradual crescendo, EXPLOSION of noise for the climax of the song. It’s a tried and tested method that is very much in thrall to, say, Sigur Rós, but sadly one that has become overused. If a band wants to make a name for themselves, they have to go down the ‘old dog, new tricks’ route, and the results can vary if they overreach themselves.

Jeniferever have never really been in danger of doing that. There’s always been a sort of confidence evident in their music, and as such there have been risks taken. Said risks have clearly paid off; otherwise, why would their forthcoming third album ‘Silesia’ be so highly anticipated? The painstakingly precise approach the group take to writing music has reaped rewards, and ‘Silesia’, in that respect, is more of the same.

Intricately-woven tapestries of sound, its nine tracks can be split into two groups: ones that have an immediate impact such as the title track and ‘Deception Pass’, in which thundering drums courtesy of Frederik Aspelin lend the song an arresting kind of urgency. It’s the most forceful song on the album, and it stands out because it’s quite unlike any of its counterparts, but at the same time it’s clear that the record wouldn’t be the same about it.

‘Silesia”s structure is as important as the sum of its parts. It’s never overwhelming, more the sort of album that gradually weaves its spell. It’s both immediate and a grower, but the rewards are immense. Just as the tension in ‘Hearth’ is built up over four minutes before culminating in a glorious release as the track settles into its euphoric coda, the moment that everything about this record falls into place is a genuine revelation.

There are thrilling twists and turns, and by the time the closer’s last notes ring out and ‘Silesia’ comes full circle, ending on a high note just as it began, the listener is left drained but content. The Swedes have refined their sound and produced something that is well worth spending a while discovering.