Jaguar Jonze - Antihero EP (Nettwerk Records) 
Release Date: Out Now
Taiwanese-Australian artist Deena Lynch is better known round these parts as Jaguar Jonze but when she contracted COVID-19 in 2020 and was hospitalised all the official information would have had Deena Lynch written on it. Nevertheless, Lynch drew power from her alter-ego and managed to write and even record some of this EP during that period which makes this a special release from an artist who just can't stop creating. The 'Antihero' EP opens with 'Tessellations' which has a sinister future-cowboy vibe which rides on a low bass groove allowing Jonze's voice to sing out as the drums crash in like the cyborg sheriff through the hologram saloon doors.
Recent single 'Deadalive' sounds just as urgent and focused within this collection but, with the added context of 2020 and the chest pains that go with COVID-19, this carries more weight. 'Murder' has an almost unnoticeable woozy siren underpinning the tune which, to me, feels like that semi-conscious state you often find yourself in when you're unwell but that striking voice calls you to the safety of the consciousness that you crave. The triumphant past single 'Curled In' turns back to the Wild West of Mars vibe as Jonze squares up against her foes (internal and external) with a funky bassline and chiming guitars at her side, ready to duel.
The EP finishes on 'Astronaut' which is the most drifting and calm song on the album which could have been called 'Morphine Missions' or something similar, such is the floating and detached nature of much of the song. To create this EP at any time would have been a creative triumph. To create these five songs during a pandemic is worth celebrating. To create this beauty when battling a life threatening virus is, well, awesome in the original sense of the word.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/jaguarjonze