Misery in Comfort
It’s the end of the summer and what better antidote to combat those Autumnal blues than listening to Tom Jenkins’ debut album, ‘Misery in Comfort’. An album whose bare bones were written some 12,000 miles away in the back country of New Zealand whilst Tom was working as a shepherd – the solitude of the outback drove Tom to pick up a guitar again and write a few songs.
Returning home, the song writing continued. Tom Never intended to anything with these songs, it wasn’t until he met American producer and singer songwriter Elijah Ford who insisted they must do an album together and made the offer to record the album in Fort Worth, Texas. Elijah, the son of legendary Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford and previously bass player of Oscar & Grammy winning country star Ryan Bingham has his roots firmly set in Americana, country and American rock, thought it would be an interesting idea to combine his background with Tom’s background in British Rock. And aren’t I glad they did.
Joining Tom on the album is Luke Preble on bass. Luke is bass player and vocalist of British rock underground heroes Canterbury. Lewys Issac (Drums) and Danny Owen (keys) complete the line up and they both play in Cardiff electronic, indie band Safari Gold. The result is great sounding, fresh up beat album.
Opening with ‘Plans’, it begins with long held keys and an arpeggio guitar before Tom’s vocals kick in. It is a laid back track, the narrator promising to return home from his travels. It’s a really easy going melody and Tom’s vocals fit perfectly, especially his high falsetto that he goes into at one point. It really adds to the laid back feeling of the track. It feels hopeful and its a song looking forward to returning home, I imagine just how Tom was feeling as he was returning from New Zealand.
The next track ‘I would like to go there’ is only short, at 1 minute, 35 seconds. Almost an introduction to the following track ‘Drovers’, it is a beautiful dreamy song which conveys real hope for the future. ‘Drovers’ follows on immediately and what hits you first is a wash of guitar, followed by Tom’s vocal. The song talks again about about his hopes for the future and leaves you feeling warm and positively hopeful for your future.
The album continues, it is bright and positive. A song that really stands out is ‘Underlying Pain’ – on the surface a bright up tempo song, but rooted in misery. It is however looking forward but telling the listener it’s ok to cry sometimes, but the underlying message is that whatever you’re going through, you can get through and lets “beat depression” together. Its recorded live as well as there is a very worthy round of applause at the end of the track which was a nice touch.
Road Dogs is another great track. Beginning with a finger picked guitar and building into an indie rock anthem. It had echoes of early Snow Patrol records, I really enjoyed it. Great guitar work too. It is certainly the most energetic track on the album and that change and sense of urgency is quite a nice change, just to change direction slightly.
I have to mention the title track and actually the final song of the album. They say save the best until last and that is exactly what Tom has done here. ‘Misery in Comfort’ starts of almost folky, with fingerpicked guitars and strings in the background. Its lovely, relaxing and fits the laid back feel of the rest of the album. Mid way through however the band kicks in and explodes! What a crescendo and the song well and truly gets turned up to 11. A great way to end a stunning album.
The entire album is a master class in song writing, taking the listener on an emotional journey of high and low points and the songs reflect these emotions. Tom, his band and producer Elijah have crafted something quite special here and I think the chance to see some of these songs realised in a live setting will be quite a treat. I for one can’t wait to see Tom Jenkins and his band when they hit the road in November.
Released by Tom Jenkins Music
Released on 13th September 2019
