Jagwar Ma: Every Now & Then

Emily Zemler on December 6, 2016

On Every Now & Then, Australian trio Jagwar Ma follow their 2013 debut, Howlin’, with a collection of psychedelic rock that draws on a variety of tones and styles as the 11 tracks unfold. The album, produced by band member Jono Ma, who eccentrically recorded the tracks on a sunflower farm in the French countryside, is unabashedly emotional, starting with the second track, openhearted indie rocker “Say What You Feel.” The musicians take their time exploring possible sonic territories, especially on “Give Me a Reason,” which runs for an energetic, pulsating seven minutes. “Slipping,” an introspective, cinematic number, gives Ma and his bandmate Gabriel Winterfield an opportunity to lean inward, its moody instrumentals reflecting their melancholy state. Each song embraces its own aesthetic and tempo, but the tracks mostly come together cohesively. Closer “Colours of Paradise,” which clocks in at nearly six minutes, favors sparse, ambient beats as a backdrop to Winterfield’s aching vocals. The album is raw and sincere, finding its power in moments of quiet emotion rather than in grandiose instrumentals. It’s the sort of disc that gives wholeheartedly and unselfishly to the listener, clearly hoping its sentiments will resonate—and they often do.

Artist: Jagwar Ma
Album: Every Now & Then
Label: MOM + POP