Jack River - “Dark Star”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 8

Pairs Well With…Misterwives, Tones & I, Halsey

Australian artist Jack River nails her bright, indie pop sound on debut full-length Sugar Mountain, a record that highlights her top-notch songwriting and tightly warm sound. Songs like “Confess” and “Fool’s Gold” go big too, leaning into hooky, memorable choruses and classic alt-rock patterns. A mix of synths and guitars blend into Jack River’s consistently brimming sound, smoothly intermingling washes of melody. A generally sunny, breezy disposition rides around Sugar Mountain, a vibe continued on a string of recent follow-up singles including 2020’s sweet pop gem “Dark Star”. That track is among those on Jack River’s new EP Stranger Heart, due on Valentine’s Day, alongside percussive, new-wave number “Later Flight” and “Closer”, a sparse piano ballad that builds into a full, breathing coda. While Jack River sounds mature and crisply produced, she always puts a personal touch on her tracks to peel away mainstream pop layers a nice bit. (Kevin McStravick)