Jeen: Any Moment
The Toronto alt-rocker is also an accomplished writer for other artists. She has a third solo album waiting in the wings, preceded by this upbeat single featuring propulsive guitar, forceful vocals and a catchy and radio-friendly vibe.
By Kerry Doole
Jeen -“Any Moment” (Red Brick Songs): Trading under her first name only, alt-rocker Jeen O'Brien has already made a mark on the Toronto scene.
She was a vocalist and co-writer in Broken Social Scenester Brendan Canning's side project, Cookie Duster, and subsequent solo albums Tourist and Modern Life brought kudos from such US outlets as NPR, Consequence of Sound, and Brooklyn Vegan.
A new album, Gift Shop, comes out on Sept. 14, and, based on the strength of this first single, look for it also to grab a positive response. Fuelled by the edgy and propulsive guitar work of Ian Blurton (he also co-produced and mixed), it has an upbeat and catchy feel that would boost any rock station's playlist (it has just premiered on Indie88). Jeen's strong vocals evoke such '90s reference points as The Breeders and Throwing Muses, yet still sound fresh.
O'Brien has also established herself as a songwriters for such other artists as Great Big Sea, Serena Ryder, Res, Hawksley Workman, and Brendan Canning, and her songs have been featured on such notable TV shows as the Republic of Doyle, Instant Star, Degrassi, Killjoys, Hockey Wives, MTV Catfish, and MTV Are You the One). A talent to watch closely
Jeen has a Toronto show at the Monarch Tavern on July 24, with more shows expected once the album is released.
Links
Publicity: Cristina Fernandes, Listen Harder
(L-R): Mark O'Keefe, A&R Director, UMC; Julie Adam, President & CEO, UMC; Braden Lam; Meagan Davidson, artist management.Jesse Milns