Three times the excellence

It’s not often that an album can maintain the kind of beauty that jj’s “jj N° 3” manages against a backdrop of dark lyrics and perpetually moving arrangements. But the newest album from the Swedish duo is as much a trip as it is an album, each song cascading into the next in perfect contrast and harmony.

The influences and sounds on “jj N° 3” are far-reaching and suitably eclectic. Its introductory track is a cover of Lil Wayne’s chorus from The Game’s “My Life,” while the following “And Now” snaps the listener back with tropical violins and drum line.

Thanks to more continuity than earlier efforts, “3” is also able to make each track rightfully unique while still attaining the consistency in terms of resonance.

Undulations in tone are fluent and churning; they drive the album as much as Elin Kastlander’s angelic vocals. With such a barren underpinning, every moment, movement and instrument are meticulously placed, never interrupting but assisting the natural flow of the album.

Thoroughly diverse and captivating, “3” is another impressive album from this enigmatic group.