Jonny Herman – ocelotoflounge (2023)
Influenced by the likes of Father John Misty, Alex Turner, Steely Dan and The Beatles, singer-songwriter Jonny Herman blends genres to create an enchanting sound. Described as charming and eclectic, Herman refers to himself as “a millennial just trying to make ends meet”, but he is more than just a mere millennial musician; Jonny Herman is a sophisticated soul who effortlessly captures hearts with his sound. This is my introduction to the UK-based artist, but he has turned heads internationally since his debut album A Better Line in 2018. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘ocelotoflounge’.
Following his 2020 singles ‘Corinna’ and ‘A Better Line (Reimagined)’, ‘ocelotoflounge’ is Herman’s first release in three years. Recorded and produced in his home studio (also known as a bedroom), the new single combines sounds of lounge jazz with indie influences – think Steely Dan with a twirl of Alex Turner. When speaking about the jazzy, rocky bubble of soul, Herman shares “the song is a bit of a homage to different eras of jazz in its structure: a little bit of swing, a bit of neo-soul rhythm. The lyrics are a playful digression on the aim for high art jazz in the execution of lounge…”
Similar to ‘Corinna’, Herman’s new single wraps listeners in a swirl of moving, toe-tapping music; however, the sound is entirely different. Stepping back to the jazzy sounds of yesteryear. Elegantly weaving piano with percussion, soul drums and slips of guitar, ‘ocelotoflounge’ is a cacophony of kaleidoscopic music. Yet, it is the punch of the saxophone that brings the sassiness to Herman’s ‘ocelotoflounge’.
The overall single is kaleidoscopic with a confident cheekiness, but it is Herman’s gruff vocals that bring the raised eyebrow, seductive smile and heart-melting hypnotic charms to ‘ocelotoflounge’. With slick seduction, Herman flutters from boldness to raw vulnerability in the new single. If you aren’t in love with Jonny Herman just yet, prepare to fall head over heels. The only complaint I have is that, despite being almost 5 minutes long, ‘ocelotoflounge’ remains a little too short.
Find out more about Jonny Herman on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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