Endless Summer (Jack River album) explained

Endless Summer
Type:studio
Artist:Jack River
Cover:Jack River - Endless Summer.png
Genre:Pop[1]
Length:33:10
Label:I Oh You
Producer:Matt Corby
Prev Title:Sugar Mountain
Prev Year:2018

Endless Summer is the second studio album by Australian singer-songwriter Jack River, released on 16 June 2023 through I Oh You. It was preceded by the release of the singles "Real Life", "Nothing Has Changed", "Endless Summer" with Genesis Owusu, "Lie in the Sun" and "Honey".[2]

At the AIR Awards of 2024, the album won Best Independent Pop Album or EP.[3]

Background

Holly Rankin stated that the inspiration behind the album is "activism, and sounds of the '60s and '70s when artists were living through political turmoil but making escapist music". The title also refers to "the physical endless summer" of climate change, which Rankin said became "even more tactile" to her when she became pregnant after writing the album, and considering the world she was bringing her daughter into.[4]

Critical reception

Sarah Duggan of The AU Review wrote that "this musical gem encapsulates a delightful fusion of psychedelic waves and captivating melodies that will undoubtedly leave you craving more", calling it "undeniably a breathtaking album that envelops you in a sun-drenched journey filled with moments of pure bliss and introspection". Bryget Chrisfield of Beat Magazine remarked that while "so many new releases contain gloomy, Covid-influenced material at present", Endless Summer "instead sends postcards from aspirational Hot Girl Summers" and that it "contains lashings of sugary pop confection (think: Steal My Sunshine by Len) and hooks for days".[1] Josh Leeson of the Newcastle Herald called it an "album of pure escapism".[5]

Notes and References

  1. Jack River's Endless Summer contains lashings of sugary pop confection and hooks for days. Beat Magazine. Chrisfield. Bryget. 16 June 2023. 16 June 2023.
  2. Web site: Jack River announces new album Endless Summer, shares Genesis Owusu-assisted title track. NME. Robinson. Ellie. 8 February 2023. 16 June 2023.
  3. Web site: 2024 AIR Awards Nominees: Genesis Owusu, Cub Sport, RVG, Teen Jesus & More. The Music. 14 May 2024. 14 May 2024.
  4. Jack River Talks Parenthood and How the Climate Crisis Inspired New Album Endless Summer. Billboard. Brandle. Lars. 15 June 2023. 16 June 2023.
  5. News: Jack River creates album of pure escapism on Endless Summer. Newcastle Herald. Leeson. Josh. 15 June 2023. 16 June 2023.