Sydney-based alt-rock artist, Sarah Jane's new, seven-track album, 'Yes, I've Been Crying', is a cathartic journey for anyone experiencing break-up blues or are dealing with the conflicting emotions of a toxic relationship.
Emotive, intense and raw lyrics are matched by bruised, brooding and seething alt rock as Sarah sings about the unattractive side of broken relationships."As nerve-wracking as it is, I'm excited to finally announce my new album, a collection of intimate and very, very personal songs straight from my diary," Sarah says.
"Written during a time of heartbreak, 'Yes, I've Been Crying' is an album I never thought I'd write."
Ahead of its release tomorrow (17 November), scenestr is pumped to premiere 'Yes, I've Been Crying' today. Enjoy.
'Yes, I've Been Crying' opens with the starkly melancholic, acoustic vibes of 'Wish', a sultry number that simmers with a contorted energy that festers in its alt-rock juices.
'Wollongong Road' has a Smashing Pumpkins-The Breeders feel that would fit snugly on any early-mid '90s US college radio playlist.
Gentle, strumming acoustic guitar opens 'September', showcasing Sarah's tender, compassionate songwriting abilities. The striking, crisp drumming elevating the emotive feels alongside Jane's vocals before a maelstrom of guitar noise takes over, highlighting the bruised lyrics of unrequited love.
'Veins' is another slower track, a meandering, melodic anti-ballad portraying the psychological hurt and wounds inflicted from a personal betrayal.
'You've Turned To Grey' continues the theme of gloomy relationships, as Sarah processes a toxic relationship of gaslighting with a brooding, doom-laden rock melody, her PJ Harvey, Radiohead influences seeping through magnificently.
Sarah turns the lyrics inwards with 'Dizzy', a self-reflective piece questioning her own self-worth compared to her cheating partner's lover. The inner turmoil felt is reflected in the intensity the song exudes.
The album finishes with 'All For You', a song mirroring the energy once all the tears have been cried out of your system, the clear-headedness felt representing a new chapter to question all the why's that have kept you stranded alone.
Here, Sarah walks us through each song, sharing some insights and background behind the tracks and the emotions distilled.
Wish
'Wish' explores the aftermath of the relationship. The regret followed by a parade of love bombing and grand gestures that will never hide their previous actions.Wollongong Road
'Wollongong Road' delves into my personal experience in a previous unhealthy relationship.Touching on my own journey to self-realisation that maybe I shouldn't be blaming myself for someone else's behaviour. The song explores the daunting feeling of knowing I needed to leave and facing the reality of the situation.
