The first release, the Heart Ache EP, was released in 2004 and featured Broadrick playing all of the instruments. It was followed in 2005 by the full-length self-titled LP, which featured the addition of bassist Diarmuid Dalton and drummer Ted Parsons, although not every song featured both new members.
With their third release, 2006's four song Silver EP, jesu took a more melodic and layered approach, gaining comparison to shoegazing band My Bloody Valentine.
Their second full-length album, titled Conqueror, was released in February 2007 in the US, UK, in Europe and Japan. The Japanese edition also contained a bonus disc featuring the two tracks that constitute the 'Sun Down'/'Sun Rise' EP, released elsewhere as a 12" album on April 23.
The band made their United States live debut, in March of 2007, as an opening act for Isis, although work permit problems caused them to miss the first three weeks of the tour. Neither Ted Parsons nor Diarmuid Dalton were able to participate in the tour and were temporarily replaced by Danny Walker, of Intronaut, and long time Broadrick collaborator, Dave Cochrane, respectively. During this tour, jesu also made its South by Southwest debut as part of a Hydra Head showcase.
'Pale Sketches', a collection of older solo works from 2000-2007 was released in October 2007 on Justin Broadrick's own label, Avalanche along with a new four song EP entitled Lifeline, released by Hydra Head in the United States and Daymare in Japan.
Broadrick has also contributed remixes of songs, using the jesu name, for Agoraphobic Nosebleed and Explosions in the Sky. Future releases include split 12" albums with both Eluvium and Battle of Mice.
Bandcamp / Soundcloud
Old Year
Jesu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the wasteful hating
Now who are you blaming?
Are we worth saving?
Is this how it's always going to be?
Now you're stuck in our old year
Now who are you blaming?
Are you worth saving?
Is this how it's always going to be?
The lyrics of Jesu's song "Old Year" is a reflection of one's self in the face of the past year and the coming of a new year. The first verse talks about the futility of spending time on hating and blaming others, and ultimately questioning if we are even worth saving. The repetition of the question "Is this how it's always going to be?" reflects a sense of hopelessness towards the future.
The chorus, however, presents a glimmer of hope. It acknowledges the past year but proclaims a belief in the potential of the new year. It again questions if we are worth saving, but this time with the emphasis on personal responsibility. Overall, the song highlights the need for introspection and a shift in mindset towards positivity and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Spend your time waiting
Instead of taking action, you are wasting time by waiting
All the wasteful hating
You are indulging in useless hate that serves no purpose
Now who are you blaming?
You are quick to blame others instead of taking responsibility for your own actions
Are we worth saving?
You are questioning the worth of humanity and if it deserves to be saved
Is this how it's always going to be?
You are wondering if this negative pattern of behavior will continue indefinitely
Now you're stuck in our old year
You are still holding onto the past and unable to move forward
But i believe in the new year
The singer has hope for the future and believes in the possibility of positive change
Now who are you blaming?
The artist is emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one's own actions
Are you worth saving?
The artist is urging self-reflection and questioning if the individual's actions are worthy of being saved
Is this how it's always going to be?
The artist is repeating the refrain to emphasize the need for change and breaking the cycle of negativity
Contributed by Austin W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.