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
Silver
Jesu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just don't feel quite the same
Whether you're here to walk away
Or if you're here so you can stay
Silver's just another gold
When you're bitter and you're old
You can tell me anything
But not what the future brings
The lines in Jesu's song Silver convey the feelings of uncertainty and ambiguity that we often experience in our lives. The character in the song is unable to grasp the pain that they feel, perhaps indicating an emotional numbness. They also feel disconnected from their surroundings, as if they are not fully present in the moment. Furthermore, the lyrics depict how people may be motivated to stay or leave a situation, despite not fully understanding their reasons for doing so. The line "silver's just another gold when you're bitter and you're old" suggests that time shifts our perception of what is valuable, revealing the transience of life.
The final line "you can tell me anything, but not what the future brings" represents the limit of human knowledge and control over life. Despite our attempts to plan and predict the future, we cannot fully control the outcome of events. This line speaks to the fragility of life and reminds us of our limitations as humans.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't understand the pain
I am unable to comprehend the pain that you're dealing with, even though I empathize with you.
I just don't feel quite the same
My perception and feelings towards life are not in sync with yours right now.
Whether you're here to walk away
Regardless of the fact that you're here in the present to move and distance yourself from a situation or not.
Or if you're here so you can stay
Alternatively, if you're here to stay and see what the future might hold.
Silver's just another gold
To me, the value of silver does not differ much from gold; rich and shiny, both are metals in the end.
When you're bitter and you're old
A disillusioned state of mind that comes from being old and disappointed by life's experiences.
You can tell me anything
You should feel free to confide anything you may wish to share with me.
But not what the future brings
However, there isn't much we can communicate about what the future might hold for us.
Contributed by Connor N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Pete Conrick
One night in S.F., off Post and Hyde, before an U.N.K.L.E show with my girlfriend Harmony, I thought I could eat the moon. I was a wolf.
Harmony turned out to be a waitress from Perry's on Union St. She was alright. I think I turned her into a drunk. Like I was.
This song makes me feel alive, like I really do live in a hobbit house. And that's ok. Hobbits are ok. I think Hobbits shouldn't have their asses kicked, or be molested.
But Hobbits shouldn't have names capitalized, or be subjected to capitol punishment(sp?).
Whoops, this is a spelling disaster. I can't stop destroying my own spelling mistakes, and can't keep making spelling disasters. This spells aster, and this dis is faster than spelling can plaster. Over 891 Post #301 Daschiell Hamsters.
.....this effin' white 'effin couch anagram is a masterpiece, a bed of fleas, before I see U.N.K.L.E at Avalon.....yoooooooooooooooooooooo.......fuckerzzzzzzzzzzzz
urckrecords
The ultimate music for riding my mountain bike in below-freezing weather along the grim shores of Lake Superior!!!
sandwichsteen
ha, I lived in Duluth when this came out. Best way to shack up for the winter
Lazunga
This album has helped me through some tough situations. I love how it incorporates metal and shoegaze in a foggy and atmospheric way.
Derek Holland
me too..cheers
Hyperkronos
this album
it has carried me through everything
I will never leave it
Dharma Ferry
@Gvaz Justin Broadrick is a genious.. I like his works very much...
Gvaz
it's absolutely iconic. Justin is a magician
Ilyas Elouchihi
@SkellyBoi shut up spunch bop
SkellyBoi
it's an ep tho
:^)
kkhhddjsj
<3