Experimental singer/songwriter Jarboe (shown left) and Justin K. Broadrick, founding member of ambient/noise-rock act Jesu, have joined forces as J2. The duo has an album set for Spring 2008 on The End Records.
Jarboe, a distinctive solo artist, may be best known from work with art-rock band Swans. Including collaborations and guest appearances, her discography spans dozens of releases.
Broadrick’s former band Godflesh started in 1988 and was one of the first bands to combine aspects of metal and industrial music. After the group disbanded in 2002, he returned a year later with Jesu and reestablished his first electronic/ambient project, Final. Broadrick has produced records and remixes for Pantera, Isis, and Hydra Head labelmates Pelican.
Jarboe worked with Young God Records founder Michael Gira on his experimental/post-industrial New York band, Swans, for fourteen years as keyboardist and vocalist. She recently collaborated with Jesu, epic metal band Neurosis, and A Perfect Circle.
Describing the collaboration, Jarboe said, “When I met Justin, he commented on the impact and influence of Swans upon his music. We did a concert together in London in 2005 and began discussing working together. I had also been drawn to the unique energy of Jesu, so this was exciting to explore.”
J2, short for “joule,” which is the international unit of electrical, mechanical, and thermal energy, are set to release their debut record in the spring of 2008.
Jarboe: www.thelivingjarboe.com
Justin K. Broadrick: www.avalancheinc.co.uk
Jesu: www.myspace.com/officialjesu
The End Records: www.theendrecords.com