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Heavy metal big band music? Yes, you heard me. Jerseyband (Chris Vatalaro, Joshua Valleau, Matt Blanchard, Brent Madsen, Ed RosenBerg, Alex Hamlin) is a rare concoction indeed, describing itself as "horn-driven metal." At first blush, the concept seems quite bizarre, but this group ultimately produces some of the coolest sounding holiday music I have heard in a very long time. If you love Frank Zappa or Cake, Christmasband is a seasonal offering that will roast your chestnuts and deck your halls.

Obviously, this is not a traditional holiday album. The 14 tracks are largely traditional carols done with a demented--and musically astute--Jerseyband twist. The original melodies usually, but not always, survive the radical transformation. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" actually has three parts, and each has its own distinctly innovative personality. The music is largely instrumental, except for the occasional oddball "vocals," like the operatic moments on "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen--part two." Some cuts, like "Arabian Dance," are done surprisingly "straight," demonstrating that these talented guys are superb musicians first and creative weirdos second, though not necessarily in that order. And "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," with its alien synth-sounds, discordant horn cacophony, and dark organ flourishes, is downright scary, but brilliant, in its own right. The album ends appropriately with outrageous sound effects on "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (a massive explosion instead of the "Rings" on "Five Gold Rings").

So open your ears, as well your mind, to Jerseyband's Christmasband. This music is very definitely not for everybody, but it is joyously unique and extremely well-executed. Toss Perry Como and Mannheim Steamroller to the side; you may just find yourself having a stunning good time this holiday season with horn-driven metal ripping those seasonal favorites to shreds. Astonishingly sweet!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:
Jerseyband is:
Chris Vatalaro: drums, electric drums, vibraphone, slide whistle, tympani, percussion, voice
Joshua Valleau (DJIndustrialAverage): synthesizers, rhodes, piano, pipe organ, sampler, voice
Matt Blanchard: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet, voice
Brent Madsen: trumpet, piccolo trumpet, voice
Ed RosenBerg: tenor saxophone, clarinet, voice
Alex Hamlin: baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, no voice!
Executive Producer: Alex Hamlin
Produced, Engineered and Mixed by: Jerseyband

From the Web site:

What does a screaming hardcore metal vocalist have in common with a jazz trumpeter? For Jerseyband, it is one in the same. The band's unassuming trumpeter, Brent Madsen intermittently pulls the horn from his lips just long enough to let out his version of an ape on a rampage. One moment, Madsen screams, "Move my carrot!" and the next, your head is spinning because Jerseyband has already exchanged the gates of hell for a jaunt in Peewee's Playhouse. Backed by drums, electric guitar, and guitar synth, Jerseyband's horns (three saxophones and a trumpet) cut through meaty arrangements that shock their audiences into submission. Enthusiasts have compared their sound to Mr. Bungle, Zappa, and Meshuggah but one thing is clear; this band is best categorized under their own genre of horn driven metal called Lungcore.

Jerseyband

Christmasband

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Track List