jj - no 3

If a sleepy Ryuichi Sakamoto teamed up with a mellow Natasha Khan, the results might vaguely resemble “My Life,” the lead-in track on Swedish duo jj’s newest. The album is relentlessly languid and soft without being brittle or fey. With the exception of the voice of Elin – a voice that sounds blessed out on equal parts Quaaludes and Ecstasy - everything about no 3. sounds intentionally muted. Strings, timbale, guitar, percussions in general – all are softened by the aural cotton batting that constitutes jj’s sound. Occasionally too staid for in-depth listening, jj seem to work best as atmospheric music – the songs are sweet enough, but not sharp enough to stand out. If sweet and soft pop is what you’re looking for, though, no. 3 should satisfy.