Hastings-based artist 23 Fields (a.k.a. Step) takes us on an emotional ride with โJackโ, a standout single from the album To Follow This Yearโs Fashion. Recorded in just one day and produced by James McMillam, the album carries a raw authenticity that shines in this introspective yet power-packed track.
The song opens with a soft, acoustic vibe, gently pulling listeners in as Stepโs husky, deep voice delivers lines soaked in sincerity, introspection, and wisdom. Itโs a quiet moment of calm, setting the tone for whatโs to come. Then, the chorus hitsโand wow, does it hit hard! With a drop of throbbing beats and writhing, bending strings, โJackโ erupts into a cathartic release as Step passionately declares, โThis is me.โ Itโs the kind of moment that makes you want to close your eyes and let the music wash over you.
The instrumentation on โJackโ is equally stunning. Lou Driverโs violin adds a haunting elegance, while Jason M. Smithโs percussion injects energy and depth. Together, they craft an alternative folk sound thatโs deeply emotional yet unpolished in the best wayโa blend of heartache, reflection, and resilience.
23 Fields has a knack for weaving the personal with the universal. With over 20 years of songwriting experience (and a day job as an Emergency nurse), his music draws from lifeโs highs, lows, and in-betweens. Whether itโs politically charged anger, tender odes to family, or tales of lost love, Step writes and sings from the heart, and โJackโ is no exception.
If youโre a fan of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, or the Levellers, or if you just love music that feels real and rooted in genuine human experiences, โJackโ is a must-listen.
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Review by Naomi Joan