Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Jack Francis begins 2024 with the tense new single ‘Lifeline,’ out on January 19, taken from his upcoming album “Early Retirement,” due for release on March 22.
Having already provided snippets of new music with previous singles “Mercy” and “Under the Bright Lights,” Southampton-based musician Jack Francis continues on the path towards his sophomore album’s release in March with the new track ‘Lifeline.’
My review: The single would fall under the broad umbrella of Americana, the development of country sound into a modern blend of country with AOR rock. I enjoyed the melodic lift into the chorus, and the gentle sway of the rhythm makes the track easy on the ears. What underpins it is the lyrics, which have a deeper meaning than the more whimsical music beat. As a single, it gives a clear marker of intent for the album ahead—something to look forward to for sure. It’s a great listen!
Jack Francis: ‘This single is about the end of something long-term. Something you’re so deep in that you’ve lost yourself. You’re angry and you know the only way back is to pull yourself out of it, pick up the pieces and start to rebuild.‘
On production duties once again is Archie Sylvester (of folk duo Ferris & Sylvester), making the entirety of the record at their home studio. Providing a wide-open window into his psyche, the musician tackles tough yet common subjects in the current climate with no filter as he blurs the lines between folk, rock, soul and country.
Jack Francis: “Early Retirement” is a record of endings and new beginnings. It’s about riding out fallen dreams and trying to navigate modern society as an old soul in a new world. It comes from a very personal place as a writer and conveys my concerns, doubts, sense of humour and stubborn determination to build a life in the field I’ve dedicated myself to.
‘ This was a concept album from the very start; it was a conscious choice to make this a singular, coherent piece of work that would stand the test of time in both the aspect of the songwriting and the messages I’m trying to communicate.‘
Jack Francis’ career in music began when he was 15, honing his craft performing in pubs, clubs and venues. After more than 10 years of touring around the UK, he briefly became a songwriter for a publishing house, penning pop songs for other artists. This resulted in a creative fire being sparked to write and record music on his own terms. Tom Robinson promoted early single releases on his BBC 6Music show and BBC Introducing. Later, BBC Radio 2 as well as Iain Anderson and Ricky Ross of BBC Scotland provided additional radio support.
His debut album is available on vinyl and can be bought here.
Jack has opened for the likes of Flyte and Courtney Marie Andrews and appeared at several major UK festivals, such as Isle of Wight, Victorious and Stone Free Festival at London’s iconic O2 Arena. He is on the road in the UK in February and March.
Hello Everybody. I hope you liked the review. You can stream the single on all major platforms; there is also a link to it here. I work hard for you all, and if you want to show your appreciation, please do buy me a coffee on the “support us” icon so we can keep making the album better. Also, check out what we do here, from features to reviews, from poetry to editorials! We also have cool merchandise, that I look amazing (as always) in.
The tour information for Jack Francis is below, and the artist webpage is here.
You can catch the tour at the following venues and towns in support of Ferris and Sylvester.
February
9th: Tunbridge Wells Forum
10th: The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
14th: The New Adelphi Club, Hull
15th: The Fulford Arms, York
16th: Independent, Sunderland
17th: Portland Arms, Cambridge
20th: The Parish, Huddersfield
21st: The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
22nd: Komedia, Brighton
23rd: Thekla, Bristol
27th: Camp & Furnace, Liverpool
28th: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
29th: Deaf Institute, Manchester
March
1st: Lafayette, London
6th: The Horn, St Albans
7th: The Booking Hall, Dover
8th: Bar Silo, Golant, Cornwall
9th: The Cornish Bank, Falmouth
11th: King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
12th: The Mash House, Edinburgh
13th: The Grand Social, Dublin
Review by Lorraine Foley
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