THE PERSIAN LEAPS – “JEANE”
A SPILL EXCLUSIVE MUSIC PREMIERE
It’s been roughly two years since we last visited the output of Minneapolis-based indie rock artist The Persian Leaps – specially in relation to their Drone Etiquette album.
As we all know based on recent history, A LOT can happen in two years. In the case of the Leaps, they’ve since released another EP, Machines for Living EP and now finally they’ve arrived at The Smiths. That is to say, they’ve decided to release their own version of the Johnny Marr/ Morrissey-penned song “Jeane”.
The Persian Leaps revolves around songwriter, vocalist and guitarist Drew Forsberg, who wrote solo under that name for years before finally assembled a band in 2012. Steadily serving up 90s college rock-inspired compositions, their distinct sound is cleverly built on a magnetic alternative rock foundation.
It would be an understatement to say that the band has gone through some transitions. Following their 2013 debut ‘Praise Elephants’ EP, described by NME Magazine as “celestial guitar jangle”, they managed to issue something new practically every year, from 2014’s sophomore Drive Drive Delay EP to their fifth Bicycle Face EP. Following the massive 2018 anthology Pop That Goes Crunch, the Leaps’ again transitioned from being a full band to being a duo (with Jon Hunt), releasing the Electrical Living LP in 2019 and the Smiling Lessons EP in 2020.
As for the current single “Jeane”, here we have a striking, upbeat and invigorating offering that makes you want to jerk your body or join in a friendly college sing-a-long in small town 80’s UK pub style. OK – maybe that’s just part and parcel of a good fantasy triggered by this song, but I’m sure you get the idea. And for us who thrived through the 1980s, the edge-of-angst philosophy that went hand-in-hand with what such bands as The Smiths were all about, The Persian Leap’s unique performance of this song is a welcome arrival.
A song that is not known to many middle-of-the-road Smiths’ fans, the original version of this song came to light on 7” vinyl in 1983 as the B-side to ‘This Charming Man’. Selling out quickly and not even reaching many overseas markets for sale to non-UK based audiences, many would only discover this song later on (in 1992) when it would be included in a few separate releases (on several different physical formats).
Since their inception, The Persian Leaps have built a well-deserved name for themselves through steadfast straightforward relatable and infectious power pop. They translate strong melodies and interesting themes into catchy songs with drive, positive energy and charm. Who better to transmit this new song?
“This cover of “Jeane” is my tribute to The Smiths, who have been an important influence on me since 1985. I never took guitar lessons, but I did buy a ‘Meat Is Murder’ songbook and learn to play the songs as best I could. Without the Smiths, The Persian Leaps would still exist, but we’d sound very different, with less jangle and happier lyrics,” says Drew Forsberg.
“Despite being a huge fan of The Smiths since 1985, I’d never actually heard “Jeane” until 5-10 years ago. The song blew me away. It’s not unusual to track down a rarity or B-side and find it interesting if underwhelming, but “Jeane” felt to me like an essential Smiths song that’s been unfairly overlooked. It also sounds unfinished to me – as though with a few more takes and some production love, it could have been an A-side. I’d always wanted to cover a Smiths song and “Jeane” felt like one I could put my own mark on and perhaps even introduce to people who don’t know the original.”
“Jeane” will be released by Land Ski Records and, as of September 13, can be found across online platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.
CREDITS
Drew Forsberg – Vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass, drum programming
Recorded by August Ogren, The Terrarium
Mixed by Neil Weir, Blue Bell Knoll
Mastered by Bruce Templeton, Microphonic Mastering
Cover art by Jon Hunt
Photos by Rouse Productions
Written by Johnny Marr and Steven Patrick Morrissey (BMI)
Originally performed and recorded by the Smiths [Rough Trade, 1983]
Please also enjoy Persian Leaps’ latest EP and video:
The Persian Leaps
[Single]
(Land Ski Records)
Release Date: September 13, 2023
Artist Links
Background Photo Credit: Rouse Productions
