Jacobstone
Chambers and Volumes
True Tunes Records
2001

This is not pop music. There are no jingles, no catchy sound bytes, no #1 radio singles--at least not in the traditional sense. Chambers and Volumes is for people who love music--especially people who believe rock music isn't just for teenagers, and that music factories may sell records, but they don't explore, they don't explain, and they don't exhaust music's limits.

This eight-song EP represents a bold, new step for Jacobstone. Their national debut, Glass Top Ships, seemed to be the beginning of a stellar rock and roll career: they had upbeat, catchy singles with radio potential, they had a solid album of tunes, they had amazing production quality in their own hometown. But rather than repeat past success and continue to garner national attention with a proven formula, Jacobstone decided to explore new territory.

Chambers and Volumes demonstrates superior musicianship. But it's not the likable, radio-friendly, pop rock of Glass Top Ships. It's simple, beautiful melodies laid over complex musical structures. The guitars surround the listener with an ethereal sonic scene. It's rare to find such a young band making such mature music.

This CD isn't for everyone. It's for the kind of person who likes to sit down in front of the stereo and just listen. The last track stretches into 17 minutes and 22 seconds of ambience. The lyrics are poetic, but the meaning isn't immediately obvious on the first or second or third read.

Jacobstone is the kind of band the casual listener never learns to appreciate. But their music is a treasure for those committed to diving in. (Kevin H. & Timothy Y.)