Jen Lush, a singer-songwriter from Adelaide, emerges as a dynamic, sensitive, and daring musician who smoothly mixes soft folk melodies with evocative, experimental rock-infused soundscapes. “Icon – Song 1,” Lush’s recently released musical offering, is a hypnotic trip into the heart of memory, loss, and the tiny threads of hope that bind them together. Released on June 19th, “Icon – Song 1,” is the second single from Lush’s highly anticipated album, “Hum of the Mettle,” which is set to grace our ears on August 18th. The dreamy arrangement of the song acts as a backdrop for the poignant words written by Australian poet Maria Zajkowski. Lush effortlessly navigates the delicate realms of memory and loss in the song, crafting a tapestry of emotions that is as bittersweet as it is deep. The themes of remembering and the passage of time weave in and out of the tale, creating a poetic environment perfect for mindfulness.
“Icon – Song 1”, as bright and lovely as it is, begins with the soothing strums of an acoustic guitar and the rhythmic tinkling of a piano. With the opening lines, “At the altar of the imminent / I stopped below the sword,” the song instantly conveys a sense of eagerness and ambiguity, which, in my view, hints at a moment of reckoning or decision, where one stands on the precipice of change or transformation. The question raised in the next line, “Is love pairing us adrift?” adds to the sense of impending change. The notion of love’s unexpected nature and its propensity to unite or divide is introduced here, setting the tone for the lyrical investigation that follows. Jen Lush’s vocals, however, absolutely steal the stage. Her voice is soft, sweet, and oozing with honesty, weaving a tapestry of sincere feelings. She moves gracefully over this literary landscape, providing weight to Zajkowski’s words. The blend of Lush’s voice and the musical arrangement produces a compelling mix that draws the listener in from the first notes.
Lyrically, “Icon – Song 1” is essentially an investigation of the bittersweet aspect of human memory. It walks a fine line between the agony of what has been lost and the hope of what can yet be found. The lyrics, filled with Zajkowski’s creative brilliance, move between sadness and optimism, much like a fleeting memory that tugs at the emotions while also lifting the soul. The song is like a vehicle for communal experiences, where each listener’s thoughts and emotions find a home. Another significant component in the song is love, which is tinged with sorrow and desire, producing a bittersweet ambiance that reflects the intricacies of relationships between people. Despite this, the final verse restores attention to the delicate beauty of existence. The bloom on the “days branch” represents the brief nature of moments, similar to the conveyance of messages. This phrase emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and love, encouraging us to take pride in each moment.
Now for the production, I’ll give it a ten. The way the instruments are employed in the arrangement is quite fascinating. All of the tones work together to produce a pleasant listening experience that invites us to interact with and connect with the music. A superb ensemble of musicians brings this to life, each lending their colors to the sound palette. Paul Angas brilliantly handles drums, percussion, and keys, filling the piece with a rhythmic heartbeat that pushes the song forward. Sam Cagney’s acoustic guitar work offers an organic basis for the song’s expressive core, while Mark Seddon’s bass guitar adds depth and impact, mooring the ethereal ambiance.
Overall, Jen Lush’s “Icon – Song 1” is an ideal example of artistic collaboration and empathy. With its indicative blend of folk, rock, and pop elements, the song’s musical tapestry is rich and engaging. The sensitive study of memory, sorrow, and optimism in the face of transience leads listeners on a meditative journey, making this single a promising preview of what ‘Hum of the Mettle’ has in store for us. As the 18th of August approaches, excitement grows for an album that promises more of Jen Lush’s excellent storytelling through the language of music. Watch out!
Listen to “Icon – Song 1” by Jen Lush on Spotify or SoundCloud, watch the video with the above link, and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow Jen Lush here for more information.
