Oliver Jordan – Secret 13 (2024)
Described as creating flawed music for flawed people, singer-songwriter Oliver Jordan is an enigma. Delving beneath the surface to grittier, grimier remnants of the soul, the US-based musician captures the darkness within. Then again, his surreal flairs in haunting sounds add a dash of hopefulness oscillating from light to dark. This is not my introduction to Oliver Jordan having reviewed his single ‘Pedestal’ and it is not only our heads he has turned. From Brazil to Australia, Portugal to France, the UK and his native USA, Jordan is a global force of nature. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Secret 13’.
Following his well-received album Songs in the Key of Crazy, Jordan drags us to old-school grunge with lilts toward Nirvana and Radiohead in ‘Secret 13’. Adhering to his DIY ethic, a rawness exists in the distorted arrangement; however, despite the rawness, a mature sophistication binds the production. Gruff and painfully rugged, listening to ‘Secret 13’ is like taking a walk through a haunted forest filled with piercing thorns. The thing is, just as stabs of pain break through the tragedy, Jordan navigates you with a desperate embrace and yearning for togetherness.
As with many of his singles, ‘Secret 13’ touches on issues of addiction, obsession, depression and gaunt grief. Clinging to memories of a loved one who passed away, the melody dips and rises with an emotional ebb and flow. Jordan explains:
“’Secret 13’ is inspired by the passing of a girl who loved hip hop… The lyrics are pretty much self-explanatory; it’s about losing a friend to drugs. This song comes from the heart. I hope people can relate. When someone you love becomes a memory, it’s a sad thing…”
Yes, his songs ooze melancholy draped in a wistful curtain of grey chiffon, but this is not the overall message. From ‘Pedestal’ to ‘Night Patrol 2.0’ and ‘Secret 13’, Jordan speaks sincerely to “everyone who wants to quit – the world is better with you in it.”
Find out more about Oliver Jordan on his Facebook and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more indie rock tunes on The Other Side Reviews Indie Rock playlist:
