Blood Jungle

Personnel: John Engelbert (vocals, guitar); Staffan Findin, Jonas Lindeborg (horns); Oskar "Ossi" Bonde (drums, percussion); Joakim Berg, Vincent Pontare, Jenny Vaz, Cecilia Vaz, Stina Wäppling, Nathalie Engelbert (background vocals).
Recording information: Basecamp Studios; Rixmixningsverket; Svenska Grammofon Studion.
Photographer: Eva Edsjö.
Hard-rocking Swedish duo Johnossi have been a perennial success in Europe for over a decade, delivering consistently with their arena-scale anthems. While widespread success in the U.S. has so far eluded them, it's certainly not for lack of trying, and on Blood Jungle, their fifth LP, they expand their scope yet another notch. Since the beginning, John Engelbert and Oskar "Ossi" Bonde have centered their approach around the basic combo of guitar and drums, trying on various production styles along the way. While their overall tone has ultimately become slicker over the years, there is still no place to hide in a set-up that minimalist and, like any successful act, it comes down to the songwriting and performances. Regarding the latter, Johnossi come across as gutsy as ever, delivering the big-hearted, full-throated racket that has become their signature. In terms of songwriting, Blood Jungle is a bit of an experiment, with Engelbert and Bonde working with outside songwriters for the first time in their career. When a veteran band adds industry hitmakers to their team, they tread a fine line between collaboration and desperation, and with Johnossi, there's no doubt they're reaching for the proverbial brass ring on this album. Standout cuts like "Air Is Free" and "Tall Dark Man" are full of big, meaty hooks and memorable melodies while "Hands," a thoughtful track about police brutality, reaches for some soaring indie folk highs. Helmed by Swedish hip-hop producers Astma & Rocwell, the sound is undeniably glossier than any of their previous albums. ~ Timothy Monger