Australian newcomer Jack River hits the road with her hugely infectious single “Palo Alto”

28 September 2016, 08:15 | Written by George O'Brien

(Tracks)

“They arrive in my head and I make them,” says Jack River - aka Holly Rankin - of her eclectic song-writing vision. “I always want to create a feeling that’s completely original to the song. I think in our world right now a lot of things are so homogenised and repetitive, we expect repetitiveness. I want to avoid that.”

A clear brief for the Australian newcomer’s solo project then and if “Palo Alto” is anything to go by, she’s succeeding in quest.

Its jangling, sun-kissed hue and intensely infectious chorus begs to be returned-to, as Rankin’s warm and languid vocal work paints the brilliant picture of laissez-faire, drop-top, desert driving.

Raised on a musical diet of Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, it’s no surprise there is something of the classic protest-folk sound at work; the uplifting, empowering and gently tie-dyed tone floats and jumps away throughout, foreshadowing the assured extended player Highway Songs No. 2 - due 7 October on I Oh You (Day Wave, DMA's, DZ Deathrays) - to come.

Understandably Jack River wants to avoid repetitiveness. Unfortunately there’s no guarantee you won’t be locking “Palo Alto” on repeat for the foreseeable.

"Palo Alto" is available to stream now. Highway Songs No. 2 is out 7 October via I Oh You.