Review
Jasper TX
An Index Of Failure

Handmade Birds (2013) Bob

Jasper TX – An Index Of Failure cover artwork
Jasper TX – An Index Of Failure — Handmade Birds, 2013


I cannot explain how much I needed to listen to this right at this moment when my heart rate is racing and it feels as if my chest is going to explode, the calming feeling that the final recordings of Jasper TX are literally helping me to breath semi normally; An Index Of Failure is quite simply a pretty album and a feather in the cap for the project as Jasper TX has announced that this would be the final recording that would be released under the moniker, which is a bit shocking considering how good this record is (as well as the last album, Black Sun Transmission for that matter).

Often times when listening to a record such as An Index Of Failure, the sparse beauty can sometimes be rather overwhelming; but at this moment while drinking coffee amidst a panic attack (yes, I realize that this in it of itself is ridiculous considering coffee can increase anxiety but back off it is what I do), Jasper TX is bringing me down off of the metaphorical cliff with the tremendous sounds of “Rivers Flow” and rooting my feet in the moist soil of any stream in the world… the birds are chirping… the sun is shining through the trees… the breeze is gentle… I am at peace. Describing just how Jasper TX conjures up such serene and vivid imagery seems as though the process makes a song like “Rivers Flow” or “A New Language” seem utterly pedestrian when in reality these ambient works of art are anything but, and this is only so evident when your emotional state is at its most receptive to be inundated with the subtle melodies and gentle tender sounds that inhabit An Index Of Failure.

Seriously (and I mean this), there is a soothing effect that An Index Of Failure seemingly exudes that speaks to me in a profound way; and I cannot say that you would feel the same way if you listened to this record, but there is more than a shot that this final album from Jasper TX just might hold some similar relevant hold on you the way that it has me as I feel both a calm from the music and a deep sadness in part that this is the last album from the project but what a hell of a way to close this artistic statement.

8.0 / 10Bob • July 1, 2013

Jasper TX – An Index Of Failure cover artwork
Jasper TX – An Index Of Failure — Handmade Birds, 2013

Recently-posted album reviews

Crippling Alcoholism

Camgirl
Portrayal of Guilt Records (2025)

Crippling Alcoholism have always navigated a delicate balance between musical depth and immediacy. A blend that few bands attempt, let alone master, but Crippling Alcoholism's two previous full-length records, When The Drugs That Make You Sick Are The Drugs That Make You Better and especially With Love From A Padded Room did exactly that. With a foundation formed through post-punk … Read more

The Necks

Disquiet
Northern Spy (2025)

There are no signs of slowing down for Australian jazz masters The Necks. Following the release of the excellent Bleed in 2024, the legendary trio makes a return with their 20th full-length record, Disquiet. Long-form compositions are nothing new for the trio, but here they dive headfirst into a three-hour tour de force, traversing the abstract and meditative territories they … Read more

The Eradicator

You Can Hate The Eradicator
Independent (2025)

Is The Eradicator a joke that's been going for 10 years (the band), or for 35 (the skit)? Does it matter? Well, only in the sense that I question how much material the Kids In The Hall-inspired hardcore band can cull from a 5-minute skit. (Maybe 10 minutes. The character was revived in 2022's Season 6.) Why do I bring … Read more