Sydney’s Jess Chalker has an extensive musical history behind her as former frontwoman for Sydney-based new-wave duo We Are The Brave, and a host of production and songwriting experience on her considerable CV. One the eve of the release of her debut solo album ‘Hemispheres’ on 5 November 2021, Chalker has unveiled the enchanting single ‘Cynical’.
‘Cynical’ is a slow burning fuse with an enigmatic air, touched with a yearning and anthemic delivery. Chalker’s voice is rich and dynamic with a delicious melancholia seeping through it while a driving rhythm section supports a sparkling guitar and synth spine.
Chalker says of the track:
Musically this song feels quite drama-filled. There’s a tension in it that’s familiar, like the tumult of being in one of those relationships you know won’t go the distance but feels good in the moment.
The anthemic choruses and powerful delivery recall to some extent Sharon Van Etten with the vocal range of Kate Bush, but Chalker has her own musical style and an indelible songwriting skill of her own.
The accompanying video, directed/created by Thomas Calder, is psychedelic and entrancing:
‘Hemispheres’ is out on Friday, 5 November 2021 through 528 Records and Planet/MGM and you can pre-order the album and access the single and earlier releases through the link below:
Feature Photograph: Paul Cantlon
