First Look:
8mm - Opener EP
by S. Zekovitch
“Picture-Perfect-Paperdoll”
8 Millimeter is an acronym that is often
used to describe a camera and film format, but in this case 8mm is more
than just a mediocre snapshot, in lieu this title perfectly suits the haunting,
yet ethereal atmospheric mood Juliette Beavan paints. With Juliette’s serpentining
vocals writhing the mike, she is also accompanied by her husband. It is
almost impossible to miss the distinct touches of Sean’s stellar guitar
chiseling solos ( also best known for producing Kill Hannah, Kidneythieves,
Nine Inch Nails, and Marilyn Manson). With strikingly positive responses
from her collaboration with Kill Hannah on their For Never and Ever
album, it helped coruscate her musical career, in which led the Beavans
to undertake an experimental project that would eventually go on to receive
raving responses.
Rooted in New Orleans, the home of jazz
heritage and the breeding ground for music genres of sorts, it was here,
where Sean Beavan fell head over heels for his beloved Juliette and their
musical tastes and ideologies began to fuse rapidly like wildfire. As Trent
Reznor’s longtime friend, engineer, co-producer, and musical director
Sean was responsible for greatly influencing NIN’s propulsive sound; their
unique electronic-industrial sounds transfixed their signature nihilistic
lyrics with razor edged rhythms, and there you have a brilliant combination
if not flesh friendly. After migrating to Los Angeles the rest was history
and a new chapter of Sean and Juliette’s life began to unravel.
The Beavans not only observed it as a
great opportunity to allow Juliette to freely express her art vocally,
but also visually. Reminiscent of an ancient Chinese proverb, “one picture
is worth ten thousand words.” At first glance at the cover art, it
alluded my preconceived notions of a very exotic film noir, starring Juliette
with femme fatale written all over her. Perhaps black and white photos
suggest more poignant statements than colored ones in that it they leave
a taste of nostalgia in our mouths. It’s as if she possesses multiple personalities.
Enigmatic as it is, she appears to be seductively angelic, yet domineering
and yearning to be filled with affections, somewhat of a vicarious ride
you could imagine, but insinuated in her lyrics. On another note, every
time the word “femme fatale” comes up in any topic of discussion I often
find myself humming to The Velvet Underground’s “femme fatale” featuring
Nico on vocals. Not only is it a very catchy song, but it demonstrates
the femme fatale’s role in a film noir, generally being an idiosyncratic
feminist who is in touch with the dark side of human nature. Juliette
portraying herself persuasively as one and thus allowing the observer to
understand her character succinctly, in that she is a very independent
and a modern-day expressionist.
Physically Juliette is what you call an
uncommonly photogenic siren, who defines her beauty as a minimalist, yet
captivating. However don’t let her shell fool you, her talent shines through
this EP. So you practically killed two birds with one stone. On the album
her opening track, titled “Opener” perfectly sets the mood for us to expect
a solemnly smoke-filled backdrop with a scent of facade looming here and
there, perhaps in tribute to a Baudelaire novel if possible. As I perch
on my doorstep with my headphones on I get the feeling of uncertainty embracing
me. The music is pretty mellow, but the lyrics are melancholic and even
lustfully self-indulgent on certain occasions, especially evident on the
track “Crawl”. A sensuous monologue is clearly expressed as she softly
speaks as the music plays, “I run my fingers along the shape of the phone
searching out every seam and crevice looking for a way in.” Brilliant and
very early Garbagesque inspired. Even though Juliette’s voice doesn’t exactly
sound like Shirley Manson, it gives off an air that they both share somewhat
of a parallel style lyrically speaking. Masochistic at times but complaisant
on others. It’s as if these songs suggest a woman making a plea to feel
complete again. Whether it is sexually or emotionally you can determine
that on your own.
Unlike the rest of track off the album
“I’ve Got Nothing Left to Lose” seems to be unique in its own way. It contains
a portion being done sophisticatedly in rap, when I mean sophisticated
it’s not like most clichéd rap songs about bling bling. It begins
with a delicate repetitive beat that is eventually complimented with a
man rapping, “I thought I was a trivia question never fit to be asked/
I’ve given away my fork and spoon, but kept my knife for inspiration.”
I could go on trying to explain all the lyrics in detail, but for you to
completely grasp the feel of the music I would recommend listening
to it for yourself than taking my word. This albums defines a stack of
contradictions rolled into one, dealing with scars and internal turmoil
flustered with a lovesick spells. If are into Portishead and Garbage you
will definitely love 8mm.
CD Info
8mm -
Opener EP
Rating:  
Visit
the Official website and listen to the entire EP, learn more about 8MM
and Purchase the EP.
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