Like their murderous British namesake, Jack The Ripper is a band shrouded in mystery. The group was one of the most loved French Indie Rock acts of the early 2000s. During their tenure the group released three full length albums in English. They sold 50,000 CDs at a time when physical media was already on the outs, and they sold out top venues and high-profile festivals throughout France.
In 2006 the band released their third album “Ladies First.” Widely regarded as their masterpiece, the 13-song collection defined the Jack The Ripper aesthetic. Like each of their records before it, the album donned a cover designed by famed abstract Brazilian painter Juarez Machado. The band married his haunting images with darkly poetic lyrics and a melancholy sound reminiscent of iconic acts like Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Tindersticks and the legendary Leonard Cohen. They wrapped that vibe in a cerebral mix of Folk, Alternative and Psychedelic Rock with nods to bands like Ireland’s Waterboys and Canada’s Our Lady Peace.
In 2008, at the height of their popularity, Jack The Ripper broke up. Internal strife and the bankruptcy of their record label brought an abrupt end to this beloved group’s career. With no online presence to speak of, they literally disappeared. For 15 years their fans have been left out in the cold. That all changes on January 28, 2022 when Jack The Ripper makes their digital debut, reissuing their entire newly remastered catalog.
To commemorate the event the band has released the advance single “Une Saison En Enfer” (a season in hell), the fourth track from the “Ladies First” album. A somber acoustic guitar and piano meditation, the song paints a dramatic scene as lead vocalist Arnaud Mazurel delivers the lonely soliloquy of a sinner. It is a beautiful, tragic and theatrical piece; both a perfect introduction for new fans and a warm ‘welcome back’ to the loyalists.
The Static Dive is proud to present the exclusive US video premiere of “Une Saison En Enfer.” Check it out below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below to connect with Jack The Ripper. Get on their socials and get ready for January 28th.