Japandroids Do Nick Cave's "Jack the Ripper"

The last time Vancouver's Japandroids came through town, they played the modest live room at Bryan Street Tavern. Odds are they'll command a larger venue next time around, considering the widespread anticipation of sophomore album Celebration Rock. The duo gets the most noise per capita of any band out there...

By Dave Lane

April 6, 2012

Audio By Carbonatix

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The last time Vancouver's Japandroids came through town, they played the modest live room at Bryan Street Tavern. Odds are they'll command a larger venue next time around, considering the widespread anticipation of sophomore album Celebration Rock.

The duo gets the most noise per capita of any band out there with their guitar/drums setup, evidenced by the new album's first single, "The House That Heaven Built." If you spring for the limited edition clear vinyl 7-inch due out May 15, you'll also get B-side "Jack the Ripper," a Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds cover from the 1992's Henry's Dream. It's a rather faithful take on Cave's post-punk storytelling and, if anything, it actually heightens the tension and intensity of the original.

While a somewhat obtuse stylistic reference, the cover succeeds in sparking interest in both Japandroids and Nick Cave. Pardon me while I give that last Grinderman record another try.

Dave Lane

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