Jets to Brazil'Perfecting Loneliness'

Jade Tree

Grade: B+

The opening song of Jets to Brazil's latest effort, "Perfecting Loneliness," is an upbeat and catchy rocker. It is overflowing with raw punk energy and rebellious enthusiasm. Unfortunately for some, the single "The Frequency" is not representative of the album as a whole. Despite its featherweight first track, "Loneliness" is a somber collection of music. The songs which follow "The Frequency" delve deeply and sincerely into the complexities and idiosyncrasies of discontent. An original combination of clichs and a lazily constructed masterpiece, "Perfecting Loneliness" is full of contradictions.
A trace of front man Blake Schwarzenbach's punk roots becomes evident in his lyrical style. Without the supporting energy of a typical punk song, these words occasionally fall flat. Although prone to writing uninspired and clichd lyrics, Schwartzenbach's timing is precise. At his best, Schwarzenbach places every note and change of intonation perfectly, and this process seems easy for the ex-Jawbreaker. He can empower simple, uncreative lyrics with carefully balanced emotion and precise timing.
The irresistibly beautiful "You're the One I Want" creates a perfect balance between Schwarzenbach's fortes and limitations. Here, he successfully injects emotion into every word, especially seemingly commonplace lyrics like, "What can I do? / I'm in love with you." The song is undeniably the album's standout track, channeling energy and emotion into a touching melody. This track, along with "The Frequency" and the simplistic "Wish List," are destined for radio airplay.
Where "You're the One I Want" succeeds, the title track falters. Schwarzenbach snarls most of the banal lyrics. The harsh guitar melody only exacerbates his misguided attempts at depth. The harsh guitar gives the song a distasteful, self-indulgent flavor. Furthermore, "Perfecting Loneliness" abruptly changes in its last minute, slowing to a carefully orchestrated but nonetheless tedious ballad.
Pretentiousness proves to be the album's primary fault, occasionally undoing Schwarzenbach's attempts at sincerity and depth. Only when he looks outside of himself will Schwarzenbach go beyond this creative impasse. Until then, Jets to Brazil will just be a new spin on the Goo Goo Dolls' proven formula.
Overall, "Perfecting Loneliness" is a step in the right direction for Jets to Brazil. It is a thoughtful and introspective effort but oftentimes borders on hedonistic. No one can describe his latest work better than Schwarzenbach himself. He captures the essence of "Loneliness" in "Wish List," singing "Some people say I'm corny, or I'm morbid / I always thought I was touching, I was tragic / One man's magic is another's plastic.