Project Description
JESS ROSE CLANCY
‘MULBERRY TREE’
(Single Review)
15th July 2020
Reviewer: Laura Hughes
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Jess Rose Clancy is a Melbourne artist who is making her debut with the release of her single ‘Mulberry Tree’.
An interdisciplinary artist, Jess Rose Clancy creates works with strong theatrical elements that combine her love of indie pop, poetry, opera and musical theatre. ‘Mulberry Tree’ breaths deeply in a dramatic atmosphere while Jess explores an intimate and extended metaphor.
Jess wrote ‘Mulberry Tree’ quite literally after the gardener cut down her Dad’s mulberry tree. Jess, her Dad and her brother all broke up with their partners that same week, so the song is also about relationships ending and starting again. Jess started writing the lyrics in Nando’s while her Dad was telling her and her siblings about the cut-down tree, and the song journeys through his anger, acceptance and hope.
‘Mulberry Tree’ was recorded at Pavement Studios in Perth by Lance Robinson (Joan and the Giants, Echo Adore). Jess tried to find someone else to play the piano for the song but ended up giving it a whirl herself. Since then she has been enjoying playing and singing simultaneously.
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‘Mulberry Tree’ starts with an alert and perky piano chords jumping out, which contrasts against the darkness of the lyrics and Jess’ deep mournful voice. As the song progresses, there are deep bass tones used as an undertone to deepen the lighthearted sounding chords. It adds a more dramatic effect, giving the song that twisting and turning sound, a sound that you would hear on a musical theatre stage production. The symbolism used is strong and is tied tightly to emotions that Jess expresses in her vocal techniques. You can hear the sadness and the anger, that shaking and roaring intensity that is hard to ignore. The song is compelling and will draw you in the moment it begins. It gives a sense of chaos, trying to find one’s feet, and then eventually reeling it all back to where the light is found in the darkness.
‘Mulberry Tree’ is a dramatic song that explores intimate and vulnerable moments. It is a song that feeds off symbolism and imagery for the listen to fully envision the scene that Jess is painting.
It is a brilliant and strong debut single, and will quickly put Jess on the map of unearthed and break-through artists. She has a talent that is so raw and well crafted, she has this atmosphere that immerses you completely. She is absolutely mesmerising in this track, sounding like a siren luring you to your fate. Make sure to keep an eye out for her, because there is certainly more to come.
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Connect with JESS ROSE CLANCY
Facebook – Instagram – Twitter
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