One of the worst things that can happen to an artist is becoming pigeonholed into a certain sound. Once that happens, any attempt to step outside the box can be met with indifference or sometimes outright hostility (see Bob Dylan for a rather infamous example). Based on the quality of Australian folkie Amy Vee’s latest release, the ethereal “Jackknife”, we should have quite a notable exception to that dreaded rule.
For the uninitiated, multi-instrumentalist Vee has been best known for her intriguing mixture of acoustic folk blended with haunting dream pop. Since 2019 or so, however, she has been expanding her sound somewhat, adding subtle electronics and a bit more pizzazz to her sonic palette. “Jackknife” takes that horizon broadening one step forward and ends up being a jazzy masterpiece for the ages, especially the slick drums and silky smooth guitar licks.
Don’t get it twisted, though…those who enjoyed Vee’s singer-songwriter vibe will have plenty to enjoy here. Imagine taking Jewel in her prime (who had her own far less successful change in sound twenty years ago), mixing it with a more interesting version of Norah Jones’ style, and with a dash of pre-fame Skylar Grey (during her days under the name Holly Brook), and you have a good idea what to expect here, albeit with far more soul and grit than any of them.
Amy Vee is the real deal, folks, and you owe it to yourself to check this song out. Between her hauntingly beautiful vocals and one of the coolest productions you will ever hear this side of classic Steely Dan, “Jackknife” is a genuine masterpiece. It doesn’t get much better than this…
Listen to "Jackknife" on Spotify here -
You can check out Amy Vee’s website here:
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