JPO = Camper Van Beethoven + Devotchka + Black Heart Procession
This disc has been floating around for almost a year now, but it’s only really available at live shows. Since the band is playing SLC in mid-April (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, 04.16), this seemed like a good time for a CD review. JPO is a fantastic band—well rehearsed, well intentioned, and as gypsy-folk-carney-flavored as a good Parisian sidewalk-café band. At times, this six-song EP sounds like a Tom Waits-style funeral dirge. At other moments, it feels more like an upbeat Sleepy Time Gorilla Museum tune played in a small, smoke-filled room to a crowd of strong men, bearded ladies and midgets. It is chaotic in a good way, and somehow filled with both disappointment and optimism. And though I can almost always do with a little less accordion, I must admit that everything on this EP seems well placed. Damnit, man, it looks like I’m going to have to go back to Burt’s. –James Bennett