The Jelly Jam is the natural turn of Platypus, after Derek Sherinian's departure from the band. But...wait a minute. What is Platypus anyway? Well except for the official term about a lovely and unusual animal, Platypus was the project of Ty Tabor (King's X), John Myung (Dream Theater), Rod Morgenstein (Dixie Dregs) and Derek Sherinian ( ex-Dream Theater, Malmsteen, solo etc). Considering each one's musical past, this case couldn't severely decline from something technical with progressive texture, but surely so bright musicians wouldn't make the mistake to present us something similar to their main bands. Platypus were the incision point of the above bands; mainly Hard Rock, strongly influenced by the Progressive Rock scene with an intense improvisational attitude.
Their 2 albums were very good and they aright decided to move on after Sherinian's departure, no matter how much catalytic his presence was in the band's music. That means no more keys for them and slightly a heavier music direction with more compact, shrunken songs. Thankfully for all, the band remains more or less loyal to the style it presented us in the beginning and with a little dose of heresy (but without any disrespect for Derek) I support that they appear even better now.
The tracks' length is rather inhibitory for experimentations, so the prog-freaks out there would better turn their attention to something else. The company's last creation is the simplest they've ever introduced us, something not necessarily negative. On the contrary, I believe that the band, in contrast to its numb debut, seems to know exactly what it wants to deliver and maybe it's one of the few times that a sequel surpasses the first part.
All of the tracks are so damn catchy. I mean...if they'll be properly supported they will gain hundreds of airplay hours and recognition beyond expectation. I've heard this record only about 3 or 4 times and I assure you that I remember with total precision each song's basic rhythm and refrain. Very direct and touching music; and that's something really appreciable in the era of sloppiness and standardization we're going through these days.
I believe that Platypus' fans shouldn't be let down by the line-up's change and invest fearlessly in this album. The same goes for anyone out there that sympathizes music that can be at the same time relaxing, sentimental, dynamic and essential. Besides, intense feelings aren't always generated by brutal vocals and perversely distorted guitars...