[30 Seconds of Happiness]

Snappy suburban tales from an acoustic three piece that impresses more than their relatively unheralded name would suggest. Loosely speaking, Jigzag are folky pop with splashes of jazzy minimalism thrown in for good measure. It's a nice blend of genres and voices, the twin female vocals of Caroline Trengove and Elisabeth Frencham sitting nicely in the mix, especially when in combination with guitarist and chief songwriter Greg Bryce. There's something strangely seductive about music of this nature -whether it be in the delicate strum of the acoustic instruments or the wonderful improv of the double bass. Tracks like The Polka-Machine and the beautiful instrumental The Barefoot Bride - with their wistful strings - have a bouncy jig feel to them, which may explain the name of the band. But does it excuse it's rather morose title? Hmmm... Regardless, on 30 Seconds of Happiness, Jigzag strike as a fun act with a strong sense of dynamics and perhaps a yearning to explore pastures further afield.

Zolton Zavos, Revolver Magazine, Sydney 2002