Jesse Hale - Darken The Sky

Jesse Hale

Darken The Sky
​self-released; 2022

By Dan Weston
​

Darken The Sky is Jesse Hale's latest three-track EP. It kicks off with "I'm Waiting.” Wow. I could easily leave my song review at that one word. Chugging power chords and booming drumming create a solid rock track, but that wasn't the thing that distinguished Hale from other rockers in my eyes. It's his voice. There's such a raw power that just can't be fabricated. We can all practice to become skilled guitarists, and there are so many talented songwriters out there, but few people have an innate vocal ability. Every note carries such power. That's what makes the song. Hale delivers hooks with an effortlessness that really just feels like showing off. It makes the melody stick in the mind on "I'm Waiting,” and there's no doubt about that. It's a strong start to the EP.

"Wastes Away" demonstrates Jesse Hale's range as a songwriter and musician. He opts for a toned-down, flanger-heavy, finger-picked electric guitar rhythm on this downbeat banger. I love the sizzling lead guitar riff too. Again, of course, it's the vocals that really sell this song. Hale absolutely blows me away on the choruses of this track. I felt like I'd been listening to a classic Smashing Pumpkins track at times. It's not just that the hook is catchy in the choruses (and it definitely is catchy). It's that Hale sings with such immense energy. When I consider that the distorted power chords and smashing drums are so insanely loud, that makes it all the more impressive. Hale still manages to be heard over such noise, and he manages to make his voice the prominent instrument in the mix. It knocks everything else out of the park, and everything else is fantastic too. Another great song.

And then things end on a strong note with “Ashamed." This is definitely the catchiest guitar on the EP. That riff is addictive. I could listen to the note-bend over and over again; it fits into the rhythm so well. Then things take a gentle turn on the verses, which really makes the loud moments all the more effective. More flanger-ridden guitar and gentle drumming dominates the verses, and Hale demonstrates that he can nail soft, stunning singing, as well as the booming vocals he offers on the choruses. What a cacophonic hook. And the distorted lead guitar riffs in the softer post-chorus breaks are really powerful too. There are so many great sections to this song. I'd love to sit here and dissect every last second, but it's hard to capture the effect of this track in words. You'll just have to listen to it for yourself.

​My only real complaint is that Darken The Sky ends too quickly. It's always a shame to be so invested in an EP and realize it's all over before it's truly started. But that's a good thing, I remind myself. It means that I should be excited to hopefully come across more of this band's music in the future. So, give these three tracks a listen, and you'll see what I mean. It'll barely take any of your time, but you'll wish it had lasted longer.

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