After the original line-up of Young Jesus dissolved in 2021, leaving bandleader John Rossiter as the sole remaining member, the project’s music began to conspicuously lean into the plusher edges of its experimental indie rock. 2022’s “Shepard Head” did away with the angular sounds in favour of alt-R&B, jazz, and house, and yet Rossiter’s voice was still capable of a potent energy: that of a tortured siren bellowing from the heart of a forgotten chapter in Americana pop. “Brenda & Diane,” is the new single from Young Jesus’ upcoming album “The Fool”, relies on the power of Rossiter’s vocals to help craft a charging pop ballad with a few ‘80s signifiers and a totally timeless spirit.
Rossiter tells the tale of two people on the lamb — the stakes are heavy, but the highway spans to infinity, as they drive “in a car full of cash, / credit cards, and / that reckless abandon.” Rossiter sings with a conviction that’s so passionate and despairing, it could be his own story.
“Brenda & Diane”: This song is sung from the perspective of a narrator who shares the story of two runaways, Brenda and Diane. The main character initially thinks he’s better than them but eventually sits down to talk to them, realizing they have a whole, complex life. It’s a humbling experience for the main character and challenges his sense of superiority and judgment
John Rossiter: Lead Vocals, Guitar, Electric Guitar, Piano Alex Lappin: Bass Guitar, Drums, FX
from “The Fool” out May 24th
The Fat Angel Sings 