Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong – s/t

Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong's self-titled debut was completed last year, and was due for release this past Monday (August 4th). However the band and management have already decided that it was recorded far too early in their career so it was pulled at the last moment. A new LP is scheduled for release in early 2009 with approval of the bands label, Vertigo.Now I know writing this review may seem a bit redundant, seeing as Joe Lean and co. already decided to ditch their album, but I thought it only fair to share with you what "no longer represents them as a band." A larger-than-life character, Joe Lean is the stage name for the Brixton council estate-raised actor turned pop star Joe Beamont, who also goes by the name Joe Van Moyland as the Peep Show fans among you may already know. Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong are another band that have been hyped from the word go, and therefore have great expectations to live up to.The self-titled debut has some classic indie-pop numbers with strong catchy melodies, such as ‘Lonely Buoy' and ‘Why Did You Break My Heart?' Latest single, ‘Where Do You Go?' is an energetic ditty, with Tommy D's jolting, angular riffs causing a strange over-excitability. Although it's hardly a new and exciting sound on record.Together for only a year they have the kind of polished indie that is reminiscent of Razorlight, which is not surprising as they share the same producer, John Cornfield. Unfortunately they seem to be climbing on that now-generic indie bandwagon too late, resulting in a sound that is all-too-familiar and formulaic.Although the album definitely has its moments, in songs such as ‘Brooklyn,' in the end it suffers from over-simple instrumentals and clichéd puppy-love lyrics. Joe Lean talks of azure blue eyes, heartbreak, "being a teenager in love" and the trials and tribulations of holding hands: sentiments that have definitely been uttered before, in many different ways. When the weak hooks become apparent the generic-indie melodies fail to produce anything of substance.Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong seem to be a band full of potential, and perhaps once Joe Lean recovers from his lovesickness the band will produce something more individual, and with more vivacity. If you were worried about missing out on this album no real need to worry, I am sure you will get just as much from a live show, if not more. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Whether Joe Lean and co. grow as musicians remains to be seen. 53%