Tessa Rose jackson’s inaugural album envelops listeners in a tapestry of sound, drawing inspiration from musical legends such as Bert Jansch, REM, and Sharon Van Etten.Formerly known as Anyone, this Dutch-British singer-songwriter has previously released three albums rich in dream-pop elements. Though, her latest creation—crafted amidst the tranquil landscapes of France—offers a more profound auditory journey that explores themes of ancestry, mortality, and nostalgia.

The album commences with its namesake track where harmonious fifth chords meld with deep woodwind tones and resonant percussion that lead listeners toward a symbolic lighthouse amid “high tide on a solitary breeze.” The poignant loss of one of Jackson’s two mothers during her teenage years significantly influences her songwriting throughout the album; this is notably evident in songs like “The Bricks that Build the Building,” an intimate psych-folk piece reflecting on “the soil nurturing the garden / The breath sustaining life,” alongside “Gently Now,” which opens gently with birdsong before contemplating how aging can soften life’s challenges.

This record thrives on vibrant production that amplifies its spirited essence; tracks such as “Fright Bangs the Drum” and “Wild Geese” resonate with the bold energy reminiscent of singles from artists like This Is The Kit or Aldous Harding while “Built to Collide,” driven by rhythmic violin bursts paired with dynamic drumming, is poised to capture radio attention effortlessly. jackson’s voice strikes an enchanting balance between tenderness and engaging spoken word delivery; it shines most brightly in powerful pieces like “Grace Notes,” along with closing track “Prizefighter,” plus “By Morning,” which features an opening guitar riff echoing classic Paul Simon melodies—a true homage to renewal.

Fresh Releases This Month

Produced by Philip Weinrobe—renowned for his collaborations with Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker—the Irish folk duo ye Vagabonds unveils their fourth studio album titled All Tied Together (River Lea). This collection pulses with slow-burning yet captivating melodies featuring vivid characters emerging from hazy narratives—such as the anxious youth depicted in “On Sitric Avenue,” or those navigating smoke-filled rivers of serotonin in “The Flood.” Another notable character is Mary from “Mayfly,” whose enigmatic smile suggests she harbors no secrets despite being under scrutiny.

In parallel, adam Weikert‘s self-released project To Whom Ourselves We Owe presents an audacious exploration into traditional music forms; tracks like “Farewell to the Green Man” blend conventional chanters with Thai gongs while reinterpreting classics such as Greensleeves within haunting soundscapes reminiscent of desolate terrains.
If you’re seeking even bolder sonic explorations, check out Nomad War Machine, collaborating alongside Susan Alcorn, whose joint effort Contra Madre thrillingly pushes boundaries through innovative combinations involving pedal steel guitar seamlessly woven into death metal frameworks.