We could talk about Jax Fleming’s recent sartorial evolution. We could talk about his high level of engagement on social media. We could talk about him courting those fine people at Parallel Vision with a view to joining their stable. We could even talk about his time spent in the alt-rock trenches. But I prefer to talk about this new EP, after all, you are only as good as your last record. Thankfully, I’ll Be Fine is a record that speaks for itself and speaks volumes.
Six tracks that sit somewhere between the deftness of modern indie, the accessibility and artistry of modern pop, and, when required, able to scoop up some of the energy of the rock world, Fleming knows precisely where the sweet spot is.
“Superficial” is an indie-pop groover, buoyed by a beat and pulsing basslines, shot through with shimmering, dreamy guitars. It lays out the stall, one offering music that is commercially viable yet distinct enough to play to a more discerning, more alternative-pop audience.
“Macie” runs on a seductive shuffle, understated and infectious, a gentle love song, one that Fleming admits is threaded with a deep connection to his own childhood, those reflective yet personal vibes giving the song a nostalgic feel, and “Twilight” is a brilliant exercise in song dynamics and shimmers and shines with a mercurial restlessness.
As debut releases go, this is a great start, a mission statement and indication of the direction of travel for his solo career, and such is the songwriting chops and fresh sound found here that wherever that direction of travel might lead, I will be following close behind to see what he does next. You should, too.
