Guest Blog - @BedstuyBetty Reviews J*Davey's Evil Christian Cop

Review by Bedstuy Betty

Underground indie vets J*Davey have once again laid down upon us what can only be described as aural manna.  While we still await the advent of New Designer Drug, the upcoming album by the innovative twosome; they have provided us with Evil Christian Cop, the second EP in the series The Great Mistapes. For the uninitiated masses still strolling through life with blinders on, J*Davey is an LA-based duo comprised of Briana Cartwright (she performs as Jack Davey) and producer Brooke D’Leau.  Through an eclectic mix of electronica, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and new wave, they continue to blow our minds and in an almost deity-like fashion, they do it for free.

The album opens with a cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” however Miss Davey totally freaks it in a new direction.  With light synths and lullaby soft guitar riffs, her breathy vocals echo hauntingly throughout the track making it less of yesteryear’s anthem and more of a love letter to our rebellious inner child with the nose piercing and dirty flannel.   The next song, “Quicksand” is a sassy, tongue-in-cheek piece with varied production, a throbbing beat, and it even faintly borrows melodic notes from Suzanne Vega’s “Tom's Diner” complete with a witty verse from DefSound.

Like the turning of a page, the next track “Raincheck” opens up an entirely new world as Jack’s honey smooth harmonies exude a simple sensuality as well as a duality of innocence coupled with a sex kitten reminiscent of an early Janet in her Control days.  Miss Davey doesn’t run the entire show though, for us instrumental fans, the following track “Trans” is all for us and Brooke lets us know exactly why he shines.  The final track “Lazy Daze” is anything but with its upbeat 80’s inspired production and sunny surfer feel but it brings the EP to a nicely fitting close.

Although I find myself wishing that I had not reached the end, I take solace in the fact that their album should be hitting stores soon and at this point, the dopeness of J*Davey can no longer denied.  If you’re in NYC like me, they’ll be performing at S.O.B.’s on April 5th and you can expect to see me there jamming in the front row.  (Editor's note:  They will also be in Pittsburgh on April 8th as well as Chicago on April 9th and more.)


*Image of Brook D'Leau courtesy of Gintel Gee.