Check out the video premiere of the epic new single from John Jenkins. With ‘Desert Hearts’ coming in at almost seven minutes, Jenkins clearly enjoys playing with song structure and departing from convention. He explains: “I’ve been a lover of all kinds of music all my life and occasionally when writing my own songs I’ll veer off in a different direction rather than keep to a standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus-middle 8-chorus song that songwriters including myself tend to do.” Lyrically, Jenkins takes us on a journey through historical moments and tumultuous events, reflecting on the relentlessness of change. We begin with images of dustbowl America: “I’m watching the sand storms blow from my front porch,” and by the end of the song Jenkins cleverly circles back, using the device of repeated phrasing to evoke the sense of restlessness and looking forward while holding on to dear the memories: “I’m watching the flowers grow from my front porch.” After a delicate start, the song begins to pick up the pace and build up musical layers, creating a depth and texture. Over it all, Jenkins delivers a lovely vocal melody.
‘Desert Hearts’ is the Liverpool singer-songwriter’s first single for Fretsore records, following last year’s well-regarded album, ‘Growing Old – Songs from my Front Porch’. He certainly keeps good company, having shared stages with the likes of Elvis Costello and Echo and the Bunnymen, and the new single was co-produced with Jon Lawton (Sami Yusuf, Two Black Sheep) and mastered by Pete Maher (The Rolling Stones, U2, Patti Smith). On the strength of this excellent single, the next album, which is due later this year, will be something to look forward to. Enjoy.
Thanks Americana UK and Andrew for the very kind words and support xx