Live Review: Jack River Releases 'Palo Alto', The Perfect Driving Track

Jack River's impending EP is just waiting to be unleashed and we are currently filled with anticipation. With her already fantastic body of work, the songwriter has become one of Australia's brightest new faces and is basically a genius for creating music that feels mellow and organic. Now she's released another new track, once again reaffirming the fact that she is one of the most exciting artists to emerge in 2016.

The track is called 'Palo Alto' and is not to be confused with the James Franco film/book of the same name, even though the film and track both have a nostalgic tone about them. About the song, Jack River wrote, "I wrote and recorded Palo Alto through so many moments in my life that the song became a kind of folder for memories and sentiments over a long stretch of time. I started writing it in my hometown, then continued it in Sydney (my friend lived in a building called Palo Alto), and then wrote the rest in different trips to the studio.

It was always destined to be sun-drenched and gritty and gilded in synths and electric guitars – I wanted to find the line between the 90’s, early 2000’s and now and blend all my dreams of a highway song into one. The moment this song came together, production-wise, it felt like the beginning of Jack River. It’s about letting go but not giving up, melancholic-but-sure endings, and people realising magic when it’s too late - even though you knew it all along."

After listening to the track in full, you can hear so clearly the influences of the 90's and highways that Jack River explained. The electric guitars give the track an old-school vibe and remind you of the rockers of old (Blondie, anyone?). The track feels like the Australian highway, with a grunge injection and dreamy atmosphere that you just feel comfortable in.

'Palo Alto' will be featured on Jack River's debut EP Highway Songs No.2, which will be released through I OH YOU on October 7. This EP is shaping up to be something big so keep your ears peeled for any other previews over the next week or so in case they slip out.

Words by Lauren Payne

LISTEN TO MORE NEW MUSIC HERE

SEE ALSO:

JACK RIVER TAKES US BACK TO CHILDHOOD SUMMERS WITH NEW COVER

JACK RIVER ARRIVES ON THE SCENE WITH ELECTRIFYING 'TALK LIKE THAT'