It’s hard to put The Jezabels in a box. They simply cover too much ground with their melding of indie rock and synthpop while also taking an unorthodox approach to vocals. The Jezabels have carved an identity of their own, and “Synthia” is the fullest realization of their sound.
Opener “Stand and Deliver” immediately defies convention with its seven-minute running time. It sets the stage for the rest of “Synthia,” gradually building its luscious synths to create a stunning soundscape, which alternates between warm and terrifying. Lead singer Hayley Mary comes in to steal the spotlight, effortlessly flipping between the lower ranges of Lana Del Ray and the higher operatics of Florence Welch.
The secret to Mary’s vocals is a good sense of when to use a hook versus when to croon over the synths. “My Love Is My Disease,” “Pleasure Drive” and “If Ya Want Me” all have massive earworms for choruses, while tracks like “Flowers In The Attic” and “Stamina” take a more reserved approach. Mary sounds gorgeous either way, and she always manages to complement the surrounding music.
This two-faced approach to the vocals manifests itself throughout “Synthia.” For every warm and inviting synth line in “Stand And Deliver,” there’s an equally unsettling line in “Pleasure Drive.” The latter track builds on top of a rigid bassline, gradually taking its time to build the tension for two and a half minutes before finally erupting in a euphoric chorus. Its release perfectly mirrors the sexually tense lyrics that accompany the track.
Sexuality isn’t exactly subtle in “Synthia,” as most lyrics have a sexual bent sans a positive light. “Smile” demands a hook-up to realize he can’t understand her happiness, while “Pleasure Drive” exposes an unsentimental “I got a one track mind / Just to get me off.” This disconnect between sex and love, desire and empathy, is the perfect undercurrent to such a bipolar record.
That’s why “Synthia” manages to feel so focused despite juggling so many contrary ideas. Its display of disconnect is what drives the entire record forward, and makes it incredibly rewarding in its entirety. Don’t be surprised to find this sneak into some year-end best-of lists.
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to the album as "Cynthia."
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