The Jigsaw Murders are not one of Dublin’s most dominant unsigned bands. The reason for this is, perhaps, that they adopt a more alternative and punk element than a lot of their counterparts. Front woman, Ann-Marie Davidson has a quintessential female punk voice which is likely to draw comparisons to Suzi Quatro- the miniature queen of the gritty genre.
Sexy Rexy adopts the true ideal of a punk song from the ’70s; Davidson’s low voice angrily delivers the somewhat bitter lyrics that a lot of young people could certainly relate to: “I’ve gotta say, I’m kind of depressed, with the money you make and the way that you dress.” The lyrics relay the feelings of many young people, watching their peers earn more than them and therefore being able to afford more lucrative things. No matter how above it all you claim to be, if you have suffered the wrath of the recession, this is something to which you can relate. This is what makes The Jigsaw Murders special.
They seem to be coming to people’s attention with, what they believe to be out-and-out “Raawk!” but which is also clearly influenced by the great punk bands of the ’70s and ’80s; a time to which this country is unfortunately reverting back in a very negative way. You Vs Me (Vs You) adopts the same angsty reproach with simple yet uneasy lyrics and a sound arrangement that is comparable to one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st Century; Queens of the Stone Age, with its distinctive bass line. The prowess of the band is incredibly clear in this particular song with Davidson’s voice effortlessly belting out the testament within the lyrics, Henry Behan’s drums pounding out the rhythm in a powerful way, string section, Adrian Foley and Mick Mahon rocking out profusely.
Scream if you want to is certainly the weakest song of the four in terms of drive and lyrical content, however if we are talking about rocking out, it is definitely a front-runner. The guitar and bass are heavy and as always Davidson’s voice is unfailing. It would be difficult to pick a “best” song from this four track EP, but leading song Monster in you is definitely one that would get some airplay on Ireland’s alternative radio stations and shows. Not only does it keep up the punk ideal and the rock elements, it also incorporates a very catchy beat that will have you involuntarily nodding along.
Mixing modern rock sounds with a punk ethos has worked well for this up and coming Dublin band. They are the kind of band this city needs; one that doesn’t try to fit in to a musical trend and simply does what they do and to great effect.