things will never be the same again

I overlooked this band in 2009, I think because I was confused by their wisp-of-a-name that hardly exists at all, but just flits like a butterfly — and an album title that reads like it should be a small notation in script on the side of an old thermometer.

In reality, jj is a duo from Sweden (Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander), and their summery album jj nº 2 sounds wonderful, here in the middle of this winter. This confection is irresistible and I keep listening to it today.

Things Will Never Be The Same Again – jj

And just like that, everything is shimmery and tropical, but with a silvery edge that feels intergalactic. Elin’s voice is so generous and warm that it serves to root the song deeply, and there are even moments in this song that remind me of a more hip-shaking Enya (who you just know at one point made you want to sail away too).

Their next full-length album jj nº 3 is due out March 9th in the US via Secretly Canadian, in conjunction with their home Scandinavian label Sincerely Yours.

They’re also touring in the coming months with The xx because they are name-twins, and were meant for each other. Clearly.

THE XX + JJ TOUR
3/22 Baton Rouge, LA – Spanish Moon
3/23 Birmingham, AL – Bottletree
3/24 Atlanta, GA – The Earl
3/25 Carrboro, NC – Cats Cradle
3/28 Washington, DC – Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
3/29 Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church Sanctuary
3/30 Brooklyn, NY – Knitting Factory
3/31 New York, NY – Webster Hall
4/02 Boston, MA – Paradise
4/03 Montreal, QC – Le National
4/04 Toronto, ON – Lees Palace
4/05 Columbus, OH – Wexner Center
4/06 Bloomington, IN – Buskirk-Chumley Theater
4/08 Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
4/09 Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
4/12 Bellingham, WA – The Nightlight Lounge
4/13 Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
4/14 Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom
4/16 San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill