Track of the Day: JFT – A Hellenistic Romance (2023)
After years of playing the guitar on his own in his bedroom, UK-based musician JFT took the plunge to create and release original music. Known for intimate, tender and moving melodies, JFT captures life in its totality locking it down in a whirl of poetic lyricism and charming sounds. Inspired by the likes of The Smiths, The Stone Roses, and Oasis, JFT proudly represents his Mancunian roots with relatable indie-pop meets indie-rock; however, while you can place him in an indie category, there is a unique flair flowing through in a genre-diverse way.
Taking the brave step to quit his day job and focus on music on a full-time basis, 2023 began in an exciting mode for JFT and his listeners. Adopting the DIY approach to music, all tunes are recorded and produced in his bedroom studio; thus, there is a rawness in JFT’s music. Yet, while the production hits audiences on a raw, intimate, vulnerable level, there is also a sophisticated elegance in his mellifluous tunes. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘A Hellenistic Romance’.
Taking a step from his upbeat, indie-pop-influenced singles like ‘Malodorous’ and ‘I Don’t Know’ in 2022, ‘A Hellenistic Romance’ follows the well-received track ‘To Be Back Here Again’. As with ‘To Be Back Here Again’, the new single presents an evolution to JFT’s music with a more mature rock-inspired arrangement shimmering with indie-pop charm. An energetic and enthusiastic indie-rock tune, ‘A Hellenistic Romance’ tosses listeners into a whirlpool of sound with one bold shove.
Perfectly capturing the intricate emotions of love, JFT taps into his personal experiences to narrate a soul-stirring song about this complex concept. Instrumentally, the fusion of guitars, drums and twinkling synths send bright lights flitting before your eyes while a softer twang-infused guitar carries you along. Interestingly, while ‘A Hellenistic Romance’ is a full-sped run through its soundscape, the abrupt ending drops you in a brisk “what the hell, it’s over…seriously, what the hell”.
“The track is full of energy and whilst not a traditional love song, many of the feelings that true love provides are captured, and the reminder of the need to fight for love and all that it provides…” – JFT on ‘A Hellenistic Romance’
Sincere, sentimental and a vulnerable flood of moving music, ‘A Hellenistic Romance’ is the best way to begin 2024. I cannot wait to see (or rather hear) what this year holds for JFT.
Find out more about JFT on his official website, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Discover more indie-pop tunes on The Other Side Reviews Indie Pop playlist:
