Jes Disconnect
Ultra Records

On her debut solo album, Jes Brieden steps out from under impressive shadows: her past collaborations with D:Fuse, Deepsky and Gabriel & Dresden (as Motorcycle), have done much to introduce the artist to a worldwide club crowd. But with Disconnect, fans of her impressive earlier hits (“As the Rush Comes,” “Living the Dream,” and more) finally get the chance to hear this talented singer/songwriter/producer on her own terms. And it’s a voice worth a listen.

Indeed, while the album kicks off with the dance smash “Ghost,” it’s the second track (and new single) “Heaven” that is a phenomenal showcase for Jes’ vocals. In magazine press and music reviews, her voice has been positively referred to as whispy, haunting, ethereal, and all the usual adjectives reserved for vocal trance divas. But what truly separates Jes from her peers is the uncommon fervor of human emotion she is able to convey; her voice is alternately soft and strong, rising, falling, lilting and choking on her confessional lyrics. Occasionally, she sounds like Bjork might if she restrained the histrionics and stayed on the brighter side of sanity. On the album’s closer, the aptly titled “See You Soon,” she channels Fiona Apple’s croaky jazz leanings – without ever abandoning electronica elements.

Comparisons end there, as Disconnect is a masterfully crafted, totally unique treat for those who like their trance-pop with a dash of alt-rock (or, as the press release dubs the sound, “rocktronica”). Indeed, the disc updates Jes’ sing “Imagination” - previously available only in its acoustic form – with an adrenaline shot of swirling, hypnotic synths.  From the explosive “In Ohm” to the funky, swaying “Stronger” or grinding, punk-infused title track, Disconnect is packed with superb singing, songwriting and musicianship from one of the scene’s rapidly rising stars.

 It’s been a while since dance fans have been able to celebrate a fun, fresh, quality artist album; the wait is over.