Album Review: Jonathan Boulet - We Keep The Beat, Found The Sound, See The Need, Start The Heart

Jonathan Boulet is one busy, talented individual. Whether it be his post-rock inflected indie act Parades or under his own name, Boulet has his hand on the pulse of some of the most exciting sounds this country has seen for some time. It can be said then that anticipation for sophomore solo record We Keep The Beat, Found The Sound, See The Need, Start The Heart was incredibly high. It's a relief to report that for the most part the album lives up to the promise – and at times surpasses it.

It's clear from the physicality of the album – elongated title, bizarre imagery, a naked elderly woman on the back cover, one song titled Keep Away You Feral Son Of A Bitch – that Boulet isn't interested in overtly mainstream success. Yet from the thunderous auxiliary percussive opening of You're A Animal it is clear that his penchant for insanely catchy melodies mirrored with intricate, insane drumming is going to drive this album. The first thing to note is how epic it all sounds – it's cavernous in sound and scope, with choirs and myriad instruments at his disposal. This means that a track like the raucous and angular yet sonorous Hallowed Hag has more ideas thrumming through its veins than other bands may have in their entire careers.

But it can all be a little too busy at times, where something more pared-back would have left a more resonant impression. That said, Boulet is a creative whirligig with incredible vision and drive, and whilst We Keep… may feel scattershot, it always feels impressive.