SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JON MCKIEL – HEX

JOHN MCKIEL
HEX
YOU’VE CHANGED RECORDS

With the release of his fourth album Hex, Jon Mckiel finds new ways to push traditional song structures and production boundaries. The New Brunswick native returns with this 10-song LP following the release of the 2020 album Bobby Joe Hope.

Reminiscent of modern indie acts such as Dope Lemon and Tame Impala, Mckiel crafts soundscapes that are hypnotic, warm, and full of groove. Oftentimes this album feels as if it’s putting a sonic hex on the listener in the best way. Mckiel’s soothing voice along with repetitive lyrical and instrumental passages lead to a mesmerizing listen. Produced by Jon Mckiel with the help of JOYFULTALK’s Jay Crocker, Hex is loaded with gorgeous lo-fi production. Whether it’s the dissonant vocal harmonies or the many warm layers of percussion, guitars, and synths, Hex offers a lot to any listener.

With the third single “Everlee”, we see Mckiel leaning into a familiar sound that is comparable to The Kinks or the Velvet Underground. Featuring a strong vocal melody and structure, “Everlee” sounds like it could be a classic favourite from the 60s or 70s. Other highlights of this album include the title track “Hex”, the folk ballad “Concrete Sea”, and the hazy tropical “Still Life”. While some of the other tracks on the album are absent in memorable moments, Jon Mckiel’s fourth album Hex is a strong release with meticulous care being evident in its delivery.

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