★★★★☆
If relocation was the reason behind the intricately woven maze of musical poetry coming from Jaye Bartell’s third record,Light Enough, then I definitely want to move house.
Coming together in Bartell’s Brooklyn bedroom, the relatively sparse production, melancholic melodies and Leonard Cohen-esque voice give this album a unique and spellbinding edge. Having taken heavy influence from the works of Spalding Gray and Eileen Myles, Bartell writes a seemingly autobiographical recount of his life up to now, mixing sad tales with catchy guitar melodies and self-deprecating lyrics. Although Light Enough comes across as a relatively simply produced album, the songs, as well as his beautifully deep, resonant voice, still make it ring with intense clarity and precision.
With standout tracks such as ‘The Ceiling’, ‘Ferrier’ and the wistful ‘Tuesdays’, Bartell offers an insight into the process of his move to Brooklyn in 2013 and his subsequent mobile lifestyle. He is a master at bringing to the forefront the mundanity of everyday life and the heartbreak of failed relationships, all through his haunting voice and eloquent lyrics.
Listening to Light Enough gently reminds you that although everything can be dark at times, lightness always prevails.
Jaye Bartell’sLight Enoughis out now through Sinderlyn/Remote Control.
