I love how music can grow on you like nothing else (apart from certain fungi). Norwegian retro-rockers Jaqueline’s ‘Cape Horn’ did almost nothing for me at first listen, however, I now stand corrected following a kind request to trawl through the apartment, locate the album and give it a second go.

As such there’s not much new under the rock. Jaqueline (Morten Wærhaug, Marius Drogsås Hagen, Bjarne Ryen Berg) and producer Don Dons (WE) stick to classic rock virtues like monstrously heavy guitar riffs, ripping bass lines, hefty drumming and that touch of bad boy danger all mom’s must feel when their daughter elopes with a rock’n’roll musician.

With all six legs are firmly rooted in the legacy – and mythology – of the hard rock decade, the 1970s, Jaqueline not least deserve attention and a shitload of credit for the majestically melodic touch on ‘Cape Horn’ (the trio’s third album in four years). Grandiose choruses and the pop hooks to go with them is not often heard in a genre or style that set energy before most.

As I said, someone had me give it a second go. Since then it’s had several and I’m beginning to fear it will never let go.

Genre: Rock
Who: Jaqueline
Album: Cape Horn
Label: Pendulum Records
Year: 2009
Country: Norway
Language: English

Recommended tracks:
Olivia – Oort Cloud – Labyrinth Game – Traces In Water – Black Sails