Jaunt – All In One
8.5/10
The urban legend of how Jaunt came to be also happens to be the glue that brings together the album’s array of sounds, melodies, and textures: At a Halloween party a number of years ago, lead singer Tom Helliwell and guitarist Pat O’Brien met on coincidence and eventually formed a musical friendship.
A couple of tracks later, shows were booked and here enters the rest of the team: drummer Duncan Hood, bassist Nick Nausbaum, keyboardist Daniel Reardon, and co-vocalist Caitlin Woelfe-O’Brie. Bouncing between the Montreal and Toronto music scene, their synergy came together quite seamlessly. After a handful of more shows and an EP, Jaunt have shared their debut full-length All In One.
But this isn’t just a debut album. This is a kickstart to what will surely be a bountiful career.
The aforementioned musical friendship comes through as charming simplicity, bringing together the funk, soul, jazz, pop, electronica, and rock elements of their music in a fun, gratifying way. As the tracks of All In One cycle through, it’s hard not to feel more and more connected to the band and their music.
All In One has the college-grad articulation of Vampire Weekend mixed with the creative ensemble energy of Arcade Fire and the bedroom laissez-faire of Chad VanGaalen. Most of their songs play around with structure and pattern, giving more depth to the track list. Songs like “Callous Standard” and “Delighted To Be Spoken To” play with your attention, jumping around between dynamics, key changes, and time signatures. While “Nostalgia for the Present Moment”, “Bakers Move”, and “Obvious Answer” incorporate some art-rock and bedroom-pop as the more upbeat parts of the record.
Despite the chaotic influences on the album, the songs flow together smoothly, giving the 10-track album a well-rounded shape. All In One has such character to it, it’s hard not to get caught up in it for a far-too-fast thirty minutes.
Stream the full album below and head to their website for more music.
