SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JOHN JENKINS – WEARY

JOHN JENKINS
WEARY
INDEPENDENT

John Jenkins has been making music for quite a while now, either as a solo artist or with his band. Weary is his brilliant new EP, and the only problem with it is that like a good meal you wish there was just a little more. This EP includes five songs that he released as singles this year, plus the new track, the title “Weary”. Jenkins wrote all the tracks on Weary, and like his other releases, one gets a sense that this is deeply personal and an avenue for Jenkins to express himself and perhaps exercise some demons burning inside of him.

Jenkins music is Americana by way of Liverpool. This doesn’t mean it is Wilco with a Beatles beat, but rather, a different side to Americana. The title track, “Weary” is brilliant. The song grows into an acoustic ballad and within four minutes transforms into a great rock record. “Sometimes I get weary, and I fall,” Jenkins sings. “All I need is your loving arms around me once more”. With some fantastic vocals from Helen Shanley, Jenkins pours out his heart.  It is an incredible track and sets the stage for the EP.

And the wonderful thing about the EP is the diverse sounds. Sure, it falls under the Americana genre, but there is a wide variety of sounds throughout the entire EP.  And lyrically it is a very powerful six songs. Elsewhere on the EP, a powerful, yet gentle song about forgiving oneself and allowing for mistakes from your own person. It is moving and touching. Whereas a song like “Bury Myself In The Sand” is about avoiding the world at large and trying to just get on with one’s own life. “Dressing Up The Truth” and “The Reason” are both songs about growing up in Liverpool and showing love and gratitude to one’s family. The songs both reflect security and stability while giving thanks to family and the community.

Weary is a strong EP full of great songs, some just about others and developing one’s own style within a genre. Jenkins writes emotional, honest songs. Jenkins has a great voice that fits all the songs. The music is well-produced and well-arranged, and the CD sounds great. Jenkins continues to come up with wonderful songs and has clearly carved out his musical niche. He is a talented artist, and this EP goes a long way in demonstrating his talent.

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