Album Review: Jaala - Hard Hold

The debut record from Jaala is a dizzying crescendo of nonchalant music that sits right outside the box.

While the four-piece band is touted as experimental bedroom-punk there are as many recognisable elements as jazz, folk and surf-rock. The latter component is evident in the jangly guitar tones on the release. Lead singer-songwriter Cosima Jaala elicits emotional reactions from the listener precisely through how much of her heart is poured into her voice. Your heartstrings are sure to be teased and soothed alternately and without warning — a complex debut record.