When you think about it, at its most basic, music is just an amalgamation of noise. There’s good noise, and there’s bad noise, and what I’ve been reviewing today is good noise.
Jack Wallen is a musician and song writer based in Cornwall who has opened for shows the likes of James Morrison and the incredible Brother And Bones. In the past, Jack has received acclaim from BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Tom Robinson, and has also gained airplay on the station.
His latest endeavour, his four track ‘Although’ EP was recorded in a studio based on an abandoned world war two airfield. The CD itself is presented in a cardboard sleeve, the design of which is utterly beautiful, and matches the depth and feel of the EP itself; the brainchild of one of Wallens evidently talented students.
The EP opens with Jack’s title track ‘Although’. It begins with a string of soft guitar chords, and is littered with lingering high notes of harmonic double bass. And then it happens. As Wallen starts singing, your jaw drops, your hairs stand on end. His gentle tones make their way through the listener, the vocals are utterly flawless. Wallens pure talent, when matched with the rattling drums provided by Harry Harding, the rumbling bass of Chris Jones and the euphoric violin of Annie Baylis-Gray is something not to be missed, this track is completely stunning. After one final strum, it fades.
Wallen’s second track is ‘These Truths’. Beginning with a catchy drum beat and bass that echoes and shakes through your core, this song is strong from the off. Jack’s vocals are, yet again, incredible. Smooth, with the occasional soulful rasp of passion, singing intelligent lyrics that capture the imagination and conjure images so easily. The pace increases steadily, and the instrumentals reach an exciting crescendo, interrupted only by more of Wallens heart warming tones. Ending with a bass riff which I completely adore, ‘These Truths’ is exciting, passionate, brilliant.
Three songs in; ‘Soles’ kicks off. A series of intricately picked chords, and then Wallens vocals melt over the delicate and graceful plucking. The opening line ‘I have been the arm around you, And I have stood at twice my height’ is sung in such an emotive manner, with all the haunting beauty the vocalist could possibly create. Harrowing symbols mix with riffs of guitar and violin, searing through the listener, dragging them into utter musical ecstasy.
The final song arrives far too quickly. ‘Wild Enough’ begins with a tender chord progression, which twirls and spins beneath alluring vocals. At the risk of repeating myself: Wallens vocals are yet again flawless: Passionate, affectionate, and soul renderingly beautiful. Jack’s vocals tear across his stripped back guitar playing, and all in all creates a great track.
So after fifteen minutes and thirty seconds of Jack’s music, how am I feeling? Well, basically, Jack Wallen’s ‘Although’ EP has left me speechless. His vocal prowess alone is enough to make this EP brilliant, but as well as that, it also has heartfelt, intelligent lyricism, supplied with the help of some seriously talented musicians.
All in all, I think I can probably guarantee two things about this EP.
- You will enjoy it. (If you don’t believe me, just have a listen)
- You will be seeing, and hearing a lot more of Jack Wallen in the future.
Jack Wallen’s ‘Although’ EP is definitely good noise.
The EP will be available digitally on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify, and physical copies can be purchased at www.jackwallen.bandcamp.com and at Jack’s brilliant gigs. Keep up to date with Jack on his Facebook.
Luke’s Rating = 8/10
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