Sydney-based outfit “Bluejuice” have announced their retirement as of the end of 2014. Heading towards that, they have embarked on a “lap-of-honour” tour, which included a recent, sell-out gig at Adelaide Uni Bar. They have also released this retrospective album, “Retrospectable”, which is a “best of”, plus a couple of newies.
Having worked steadily since forming 13 years ago, the band has won and/or been nominated for Music Oz, Independent Music and ARIA awards. Bluejuice have been described as many things. I will add mine to the mix and say that they are grunge wrapped in a funk aesthetic. Kind of Maroon 5 on crack. They are keyboard driven, and very tight.
This album is a nice collection of their work, including “I’ll Go Crazy”, which is their new single.
Their punkier side can be heard on songs such as “George Constanza” and “Vitriol”, which had the honour of being the most played song on JJJ.
“The Reductionist” and “Act Your Age” have a very 80s drive to them, putting me in mind of Style Council at their edgiest. The album finishes with the slightly haunting, and entirely appropriate, “No Time for Tears”.
Their tour finishes on October 24th in their hometown of Sydney. I’m sorry I never got to see them live, but this album gives a fine overview of their career. It’s fun to listen to, and gets deeper with further plays. I’ve no doubt they will all move on to equally impressive work in other outfits.
Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
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