Alternate Jane – Higher Ground (2023)
Beginning her musical journey during college as a vocalist for a rock band, Malaysia-based Alternate Jane chose to embrace a solo project once the rock band became inactive and, hell, I’m damned glad she did. A doctor atop her musical pursuits, Jane has the desire to care for people’s health as well as their musical needs with her charming sound. Debuting ‘Confidence’ in 2019, Alternate Jane found her way onto various Spotify playlists, but this is not the extent of her reach. Featured on Less Than 1000 Followers, Edgar Allan Poets, Roadie Music, and an interview with DJ Basil on Hitz.fm, Alternate Jane is reaching audiences beyond her Malaysian borders. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Higher Ground’.
From the Netherlands to Malaysia, Alternate Jane embraces the power of remote collaboration in ‘Higher Ground’. Due to her Covid-19-related duties as a doctor and contracting Covid-19 herself, ‘Higher Ground’ is the first release since ‘Skype Love’ in 2019. Influenced by acts like Garbage, Michelle Branch and Sixpence None The Richer, the new single has a strong pop sound served up with nostalgic 90s flair. Kaleidoscopic in its arrangement, ‘Higher Ground’ is highly guitar-driven; however, a slice of synths swells into the melody giving the song slight obscurity tossing you immediately into a multi-coloured sonic whirlpool.
While Alternate Jane’s vocals are soothing and rich like Michelle Branch, ‘Higher Ground’ brings eclecticism to the pop track. Evident of her Garbage influence, the song has a slight reminiscence of Garbage’s single ‘The World Is Not Enough’, particularly when it drops to an indie-rock tone in the melody. Interestingly enough, Alternate Jane shared that she “…channelled my love for James Bond movies and the band Garbage to make my own version of ‘The World Is Not Enough’, but what I ended up making is something less refined, quirky and unique…”
Intriguing, raw and filled with a vulnerable wistfulness, Alternate Jane proves she is a sonic gem in a pool of pebbles with ‘Higher Ground’. Note to all the James Bond producers and whatnot: if you’re looking for a new soundtrack to the next James Bond movie, then look no further than Alternate Jane.
For more from Alternate Jane, check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
