Tessa Rose Jackson's debut album under her own name is a sonic journey that weaves together folk guitar, dream-pop, and poignant storytelling. With roots tracing back to Bert Jansch and REM, to Sharon Van Etten, the Dutch-British musician has crafted a rawer, richer record made entirely in rural France. The Lighthouse sets sail with its title track, establishing a haunting atmosphere that echoes across the album's 11 tracks.
The Dutch-British musician draws heavily from her own experiences, particularly the death of one of her mothers when she was a teenager, which informs much of the lyrics throughout the record. Tracks like "The Bricks That Make the Building" and "Gently Now" showcase Jackson's inquisitive approach to grief, weaving it into poetic and refreshing narratives that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
A key element behind The Lighthouse is its pop-infused production, which breathes new life into Jackson's distinctive voice. Her assured yet never smug tone is matched by the confidence of songs like "Fear Bangs the Drum" and "Wild Geese", reminiscent of singles by This Is the Kit and Aldous Harding.
It's in the album's quieter moments that Jackson's vocal range truly shines, particularly in piano-led tracks like "Grace Notes" and "By Morning". These stripped-back arrangements allow her voice to soar, conjuring a sense of luminosity that underscores the entire record.
Jackson's journey is far from over, as she embarks on this fourth album under her own name. Supporting acts include Ye Vagabonds with their latest release All Tied Together (River Lea), Adam Weikert's To Whom Ourselves We Owe, and Nomad War Machine and Susan Alcorn's thrillingly boundary-pushing Contra Madre β all highlighting the exciting state of folk music at present.
The Dutch-British musician draws heavily from her own experiences, particularly the death of one of her mothers when she was a teenager, which informs much of the lyrics throughout the record. Tracks like "The Bricks That Make the Building" and "Gently Now" showcase Jackson's inquisitive approach to grief, weaving it into poetic and refreshing narratives that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
A key element behind The Lighthouse is its pop-infused production, which breathes new life into Jackson's distinctive voice. Her assured yet never smug tone is matched by the confidence of songs like "Fear Bangs the Drum" and "Wild Geese", reminiscent of singles by This Is the Kit and Aldous Harding.
It's in the album's quieter moments that Jackson's vocal range truly shines, particularly in piano-led tracks like "Grace Notes" and "By Morning". These stripped-back arrangements allow her voice to soar, conjuring a sense of luminosity that underscores the entire record.
Jackson's journey is far from over, as she embarks on this fourth album under her own name. Supporting acts include Ye Vagabonds with their latest release All Tied Together (River Lea), Adam Weikert's To Whom Ourselves We Owe, and Nomad War Machine and Susan Alcorn's thrillingly boundary-pushing Contra Madre β all highlighting the exciting state of folk music at present.