Jordan Burchel - “Understanding, Now”
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Jordan Burchel, from the USA, sweeps us away in sonic euphoria with “Understanding, Now.”
“Understanding, Now” is a sonic treat from every perspective, whether that is production, arrangement, songwriting, or vocals. It is modern psych laid over the top of classic, timeless pop.
Comparisons may naturally be drawn to Tame Impala, who seems to tower large over the genre. In some ways, this is fair when we look at the hallucinatory swirl and intricacy of guitars, catchy rock bass grooves, shuffling drum beat and yacht rock-esque keys filling out the melodic chassis of this banger. Its slick and well executed using a variety of no doubt lush studio tools that would make any musician wide eyed.
What makes this song great and why you should pay attention is where this beast differs. We don’t have the smudged, emotionally distant, echo-drenched John Lennon vocals. Introverted, introspected, stuck in romantic despondency, laid bare across every lyric. Often those lyrics are not very good either… Sorry Kevin. Finally, this song is not locked in one melodic, hypnotic pocket. Where “Understanding, Now” really shines is that it is not aesthetic totally dominating the experience. Burchel gives us ample psych ear candy but maintain classic accessible pop at the songs heart.
Burchel delivers a stellar vocal performance that really animates the lyrics that touch on reflection, disorientation and self-awareness. The breezy performance dances gorgeously though the lyrical layers reaching falsetto and top of the lung’s heights with ease. On the track, Burchel adds: “My booking agent almost crashed their car air guitaring along to the end, so please enjoy responsibly.”
Luscious, packed with melodies, and unbelievably catchy, “Understanding, Now” is taken from Jordan Burchel’s forthcoming album. Burchel will also be touring this winter with Neva Dinova (Saddle Creek) and Noah Guthrie (America’s Got Talent), so snap those tickets up now! Connect with Jordan Burchel: Spotify | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Website