4 stars
The only real hurdle to overcome when listening to Jet Black is Reg Vermue’s strikingly breezy and whispery vocals, which have such unique presence that it threatens to overshadow the entire album.
His voice is the musical equivalent of cotton candy – light, sweet and so quick to disappear you instantly crave more. But luckily, this album has the substance to back up this thinly spun sugar.
“There’s no point in going back, when a masterpiece is crumbling,” Vermue croons about a failed relationship on “Rewind,” as he hauntingly bares his pain over a spare arrangement of acoustic guitar.
On “You Can’t Get It Back” he claims, “I don’t waste time, you can’t get it back and there’s no ownership line.” He’s more direct than abstract but clever and complex enough to keep you on your toes.
Although strong electric guitar and drums are the typical companions to each song, Vermue has a lot of tricks up his sleeve.
Whether it’s the staccato breathing that serves for a chorus in “How We Exit,” the disco beat of “We’re In a Thunderstorm” or the gentle swelling of strings and horns at the end of “Everlong,” each song is a testament to Gentleman Reg’s ability to try different styles while still maintaining a cohesive sound.
