At the sunset of the past decade, Ducktails have become a very popular band among hipsters. First of all, they have been getting a lot of space and positive reviews in media religiously followed by the members of this subculture. On the other hand, their anemic, anorexic and futile music perfectly fits the movements that can be described with the same attributes. Btw, Ducktails is a solo project by the ex member of Real Estate, Matt Mondanile.
Jersey Devil is a solo record released under Mondanile's label New Images, since his previous record label Domino decided not to release his album. This predicament was a sign that there might be some deep-rooted reasons why Matt left Real Estate. He is one of the first names from showbiz who was accused for bad treatment of women. Truth to be told, accusations against him were not as nearly severe as those against Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, yet many females would characterize him as "pig".
History has taught us that we should not judge someone's art based on their ethics or political orientation. If we behaved like that, we would lose some of the most relevant art pieces and scientific inventions. Ergo, we can judge Jersey Devil only for its sound. In one way, we can perceive this album as some sort of achievement in the career of Ducktails. They have managed to create their most boring work yet, which was a pretty hard task after St.Catherine.
All ten songs on the album are in the same tempo, one long 40 minute flatline. Meanings, songs are difficult to differentiate. Mondanile does not have impressive vocal abilities, but that did not impede some artists to use their voice in unconventional and interesting manner (just listen to Chad VanGaalen). Vocal arrangements are literally the same in each and every song. The music is an anemic jazzy indie chillwave hypnagogic pop. Tracks such as Map To The Stars, Light a Candle and In The Halway are bearable, If listened separately. The problem arises when you listen to the whole record. You have a feeling like the first song was stuck on repeat.
The future of Ducktails and Matt Mondanile is uncertain, especially in the light of social justice. If I never hear new music from Ducktails, I must admit I wouldn't care.
