Phil Jones is a lyric-driven rock singer/songwriter who hails from Kauai, Hawaii. He’s the type of artist I instantly respect because of the genuine nature of the music and the lyrics. He is naturally a “truth sayer”. Like the great philosophical songwriters and lyricists of our time like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Bruce Sprinstein, Phil Jones typically writes about positive change, politics, human rights, love, redemption, and personal growth. It’s artists like Mark Lanegan and Leonard Cohen that come to mind when listening to Phil’s deep, raspy baritone, although he has his own distinct tone.
With subtle electronic elements guiding the dark acoustic composition “The Perfect Wave”, Phil tells haunting tales and delivers some serious warnings before the progression lifts for the chorus, and the brilliant line “I’m sending out the perfect wave” emerges. It’s not often I’ll post a full passage, but I have to in this case. These are some of the best lyrics I’ve read in a long time, taken from “The Perfect Wave”:
You fell, you fled, you tripped, you strayed
Your heart’s been sold
Your soul delayed
Today is done
Tomorrow’s grey
Treasure’s lost
Thrown away
The wedding’s off til the debts are paid
Another left for broke
Alone and afraid
Shoulda given love, given love away
Sending out the perfect wave”
With wisdom and optimistic sadness, this song conveys deep-seeded emotion and clarity. You can download it below from the Soundcloud link.
“Are You Aligned?” continues the journey into electronic Americana territory, asking “Are you aligned? It’s evolution time”. Soaring backup vocals lift the chorus to drive the message home and the guitars are reminiscent of the great Chris Isaak with their ominous twang. As the beat progresses, it sounds almost dance-esque, which serves as a well done fusion of styles. Phil did a video for the song, which contains some appropriate Occupy protest footage. Check it out below, and be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for the upcoming release of Phil Jone’s album entitled “Raise Up”: