Album Review: Jack River - Sugar Mountain

It might take a few listens if electric acid pop isn't generally your thing, but the stories and sounds of Jack River, aka Holly Rankin, are ultimately worth listening to.

The first three songs alone highlight the diversity of Rankin's sound, opening up with the calming Her Smile before moving into the faster-paced Ballroom. Confess is a beautifully written song, opening intimately and quietly before entering into full-blown poppy goodness. Stardust & Rust beautifully articulates romantic scepticism. This album has a way of making you want to sway sadly in the middle of a crowded room due to its melancholy themes yet feel-good backing tracks. In Infinity is the final track of the album, and a poignant one at that, as Rankin tones down the pop elements, singing of the loneliness and loss that assumingly led to this record

The vocal range of Rankin and the captivating story she has to tell is truly addictive. Reminiscent of Gwen Stefani and Ali Barter but with a psychedelic twist, her delicate and hypnotic sound is an enthralling entrance into the world of electric pop.