Get ready for a joyride! Sugarcane Jane’s newest album, “On A Mission,” is a delightful rollercoaster ride of musical exploration. It weaves through a variety of influences and genres, showcasing the band’s eclectic sound. From heart-tugging ballads and foot-stomping folk anthems to unexpected ska vibes, the album showcases Sugarcane Jane’s impressive musical range and genius.
The album launches with a bang with the track, “Try To Make It Look Like Me.” This fusion of alternative country and folk, spiced up with smart lyrics and powerful delivery, is an absolute treat. Crawford’s strong vocals form the heartbeat of the song, sending out a message of resilience and self-love that hits home with listeners. Teamed with vibrant instrumentals, this track is a fun yet profound experience that perfectly encapsulates Sugarcane Jane’s knack for creating music that’s both catchy and meaningful.
Then comes “Spirit Push,” adding a touch of spiritual depth to the album. Its minimalist instrumentals and grounded lyrics create a calming atmosphere of introspection. This stripped-back arrangement gives Savana Lee and Anthony Crawford’s harmonious vocals the spotlight, infusing the song with genuine depth and authenticity. It’s a touching moment in the album that showcases Sugarcane Jane’s talent for expressing emotion through music.
https://open.spotify.com/track/6AxhFgtxnmpi4M6N4EG0M1?si=088e10e7ad064d69
In contrast, “The Candle” brings a more solemn vibe, gradually picking up the tempo as it progresses. Its reflective lyrics and soft melodies offer a refreshing pause from the album’s more energetic tracks, giving listeners a chance to breathe and reflect. Crawford’s vocals shine here, conveying a raw vulnerability and yearning that’s both captivating and liberating.
A standout track of the album is “Fly On The Wall,” where Sugarcane Jane infuses their signature sound with hints of ska and shuffle. Its irresistible rhythm and catchy hooks are guaranteed to get you moving, while still preserving the band’s hallmark authenticity and sincerity. This track is a daring deviation from the album’s more conventional Americana sound, demonstrating Sugarcane Jane’s readiness to venture into new musical territories.
First single, “Burn” is another bona fide gem on the record. Youtube has a brilliant live performance clip of this track, and it’s worth the price of admission to this album, alone. Get ready to re-live the glory days of 70s AM gold with this one!
Throughout the album, the band maintains top-notch production quality. Going beyond the usual stripped-back approach of folk music, the band explores new production techniques with “On A Mission.” The result is an impressively thoughtful and clever production by Crawford that perfectly matches the mood and tone of each song.
In a nutshell, “On A Mission” is a thoroughly enjoyable album that brilliantly showcases Sugarcane Jane’s diverse musical influences and styles. With Crawford’s emotional vocals, Lee’s robust harmonies, and the band’s expertly crafted instrumentals, it offers a compelling listening experience that will leave you craving more. Sugarcane Jane is a breath of fresh air in the Americana music scene, and “On A Mission” is a radiant testament to their creative prowess.
Published By: Aize Perez
