The new “Level” CD from Pennsylvania based Mesa Jane is an exceptional 10 Track release and is very multi-dimensional to say the least. It also however possesses an undeniable Alternative Rock-Pop core sound accessible by all listeners – even old school Singer/Songwriter, 80’s, 90’s Pop fans. Does all of this sound a bit over the top to you? Just listen to marquee tracks like “Haunt You” , “Lay Your Arms Down” and “Happen Again” and you will see my perspective. I got hooked on MJ right away after listening to the first few moments of brilliant Track 1 “Haunt You.” Melding a unique yet accessible blend of impressive ambience, melodic guitars, earthy overtones, beats, tasty groove-ridden bass lines and infectious vocals from Jane.
Jane’s sound is a testament to how she approaches music. Kudos goes out to the band, melodic guitars and amazing vocals from Jane. Again – the overall musical personality is also really a big part of their sound. It adds a sort of a Singer/Songwriter-Pop stigma to the rock sound. I hate to pigeonhole but if you like Sinead O’Conner, Tori Amos and Kate Bush – you will love Mesa Jane. Personally she reminds me of a modern day version of Beth Orton. While the main focus of this particular genre of music is generally the musical personality. That doesn’t mean that the vocals and lyrics fall too far behind. They never feel like an afterthought. Hence the vocal work and lyrical content from Jane really bring it all together.
Top Tracks: Haunt You, Lay Your Arms Down, I Can’t Feel, Coming Through
“Level” also manage to move between mellower sounds and more rocked out ones – all the while sounding undeniably progressive, electronic-based yet dark and melancholy-good. All in all it’s a powerful combination that puts an artist like Mesa Jane on the map for 2014. She should go a long way towards proving that good Singer/Songwriter Pop is still alive and well down in Pennsylvania.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mesajanemusic
Levi Jackson edited by Joshua Beach
Review Comments: joshuabeach9@gmail.com
