Darren Jessee - Remover
DARREN JESSEE DROPS MAGICAL ‘REMOVER’
Singer-songwriter Darren Jessee introduces his new album, Remover, a collection of dream-pop-inclined songs, following his 2018 debut album, The Jane, Room 217.
Darren Jessee | Photo: Dustin Condren
Talking about the album’s title – Remover – Jessee told American Songwriter’s Catherine Walthall, “The album title… Remover, [it’s] definition is a person or a thing that removes. And so it was apt for me, [and] it’s taken on more of a feel than I ever imagined. We could be talking about removing a façade that we have been living under.”
He then went on to add, “I also liked it because I had in the past removed myself from famous bands in order to pursue a deeper desire to be an artist in my own way. It just felt right, and as the world changed quickly, it even feels a bit more relevant than I had thought originally.”
Probably best known for his work with alt-pop outfit Ben Folds Five, Jessee has also released four albums with indie-rock band Hotel Lights, along with sharing in a Grammy Award, as well as having a gold record and a platinum record.
Comprising 10-tracks, Remover begins with “Dead Weight,” echoing savors of melancholy, drifting on poignant vocals. When the bassline enters, the tune assumes gravitational depth, mirroring the slow movement of an exquisite dirge as sweeping, elegant strings add desolate textures.
Shimmering with dream-pop aromas, the song registers hypnotic glows of protective coloration.
Outstanding tracks include “Letdown,” with Jessee’s evocative voice recalling Bob Dylan’s drawling tones. There’s an alt-country feel to this track, as well as hints of Tom Petty-flavored indie-rock tints. I love the flow of the melody here, creamy yet potent.
“Free Reign” opens on softly gleaming guitars, while Jessee’s nasal-lite timbres reveal a hushed rasp and spellbinding narration of his emotions. Shimmering with dream-pop aromas, the song registers hypnotic glows of protective coloration.
“Never Gonna Get It” features velvety washes of harmonic coloration, layered on delicate, elegant surfaces. Urgent with longing, Jessee’s voice imbues the lyrics with tantalizing suggestions of ardent imminence, necessary yet fugitive to his grasp.
“Getting Back To It Now” travels on streaming strings atop a shushing rhythm as a tender guitar strums eloquently. Projecting somber flavors at once quixotic and fleeting, the gliding harmonic flow captivates with its intense and focused passion.
On Remover, Darren Jessee sends delicious sonic sensations rippling through the diaphragms of listeners – straight to their hearts.
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