Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

John Edge – Rebel (2023)

Compared to the likes of Damien Rice and Ben Howard, singer-songwriter John Edge can ensnare your senses. Soft and flowing but with a poignant heart-breaking tone, Edge encompasses humanity in his songs. Praised by notable press like Music Is My Radar, Billboard and CLASH, his work is described as “…easy on the ear yet intensely emotional” (CLASH). The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Rebel’.



Following his 2022 tracks ‘Letters By The Sea’ and ‘How Can We Pretend’, Edge retains his tender folk tone in ‘Rebel’. The interesting thing is, ‘Rebel’ may appear laidback but it has an intensity associated with Jeff Buckley and Leonard Cohen. Strong Cohen tendencies are noted in the poignant, poetic and profound lyricism, but it is set to a modern-day indie-folk tone. Showcasing an evolution in his heartfelt music, John Edge brings a refreshing blast into a sometimes-stagnating folk scene.

While the melody of ‘Rebel’ can hold its own as a soothing tune, it is the sincere lyricism that brings depth to this single. Taken from his upcoming sophomore album, Edge touches on frustration, confusion and self-discovery in the new song. He explains that his “new work is the result of a young man’s life being thrown into disarray and out of that a deeper appreciation of life’s mysteries arose” – a theme that, well I think, resonates with audiences young and old.

So, overall, what do I think of John Edge and ‘Rebel’? Mellifluous and mellow, but with a thought-provoking sting, I find ‘Rebel’ to be a sublime addition to my playlists. A gem in a sonic pool of pebbles, John Edge is truly something special.

In addition to the single, Edge released an official music video for ‘Rebel’. You can view it below or on his official YouTube channel:



For more from John Edge, check out his official website, Facebook and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator