War Dancer
Jesse Thomas is the perfect example of a giant musical fireball in a small package. Her raspy, distressed vocals and straight-forward lyrics make for a big emotional sound on every song she releases. It’s been two years since Jesse released her debut EP, Hazel, and exactly one year since Starbucks featured her song, “You I Want”, as their free download artist of the week. This month, Jesse is releasing her debut LP, War Dancer. The ever-catchy “You I Want” is on the album along with 10 previously unreleased tracks. Overall, the record is beautifully produced to showcase the emotional complexity yet honest simplicity of Jesse’s writing. Tracks like “Song For You” and “Fire” feel so close that it’s like Jesse’s singing in your living room. There are also some faster tracks like “Back to Fighting” and “Already Mine” that make it hard to stop tapping your foot with the music.