First things first, Nadir is a five song reissue of the cult classic released by Jucifer. Apparently this is pretty much the tape that this two-piece would send out to promoters and labels. Since then the bands following has multiplied significantly.
Dating back to 1994, this almost 20 year old piece of music predates the majority of their contemporaries. This is straight up sludge and doom driven by the riffs and vocals of Amber Valentine and backed solely by the drums of husband Edgar Livengood. Although the band briefly began as a three piece, the two person formula has worked perfectly for Jucifer.
As I previously mentioned, these are old songs self recorded and used as a promotional tool. I don't feel like they necessarily have the strength to stand on their own as full on release, but I think solely as a nostalgia or collectors piece they work fine.
The lo-fi feel of the tracks dates them a little bit, but doesn't take away from the lumbering feeling of the band. Valentines' vocals seem to fill the cracks of sludge with barely audible yet haunting tones. Transferring these tracks through time leads a little to be desired as far as sound quality, but with the help of Scott Hull and Chris J. Black the tracks have been mastered and mixed to get the best out of them. It still leaves a little to hanker after, but the songs sound almost up to par.
I can't say I have ever listened to much Jucifer now or then. And I don't really feel like Nadir is going to draw me in for more. The vocals don't do anything for me at all, I'd prefer that they just completely remove them. I know that wouldn't make sense as Valentine sounds a lot better now, but that is my complaint.
I don't see this being essential listening for many, but I know if I were a big Jucifer fan I'd be stoked to get my hands on this.
Staff Rating
2.50/5
User Rating
0/5
