CD REVIEW: VITNE – Jupiter

CD REVIEW: VITNE – Jupiter
Independent
April 2017
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
8 ½ /10

Assuming the Vitne (‘Freedom’ in Norwegian) persona was a liberating turning point for former North Carolina rocker Jo Kimbrell. After several releases with Golden Palace, where his darker, progressive gothic side bubbled to the surface alongside the more pop rock of the band, his solo work has never failed to impress.

Jupiter comprises two digital EP releases from the past couple of years, remixed and repackaged, and it’s a darkly atmospheric and buoyantly melodic ride that works well as a stand-alone package.

Masquerade soars, Kimbrell’s vocals taking the listener on a journey, while Julian Angel’s guitar work is as impressive as ever. Kimbrell handles all the other instrumentation himself, apart from the drums.

Lion is uplifting and wouldn’t be out of place on a Depeche Mode album, though definitely more in the rock zone than electronica. Under The Moonlight is a gentle acoustic ballad, beautifully tender, contrasting Say Goodbye’s urgency and electric frisson.
Kimbrell expertly balances the dark overtones of his songwriting wth irresistible hooks and fascinating, soul searching lyrics. Whether writing about himself or fictionally, his characters are seeking understanding of themselves and the world in which they live.

Category: CD Reviews