“You’re mourning the loss of the American Dream or an ideal you thought your life would be,” says Jon Bryant about his latest single, “High Season.” The Vancouver-based artist creates a vast space of doubt coupled with carefully laced lyrics full of melancholy to discuss his fear over the future.
The highlight of Bryant’s music has always been his songwriting, where his focus on imagery and sweeping statements easily connects to listeners. “If I don’t get there it’s fine / Crush my dreams into another line,” summarizes the desperation of the song, as Bryant pleads for comfort within his life. His airy vocal delivery suits the tone of the song perfectly, giving a tiredness that only emphasizes the chorus, “feels likes it’s always high season.” The second verse creates a striking scene, one line at a time, giving a build up towards the bridge and outro. If you enjoy Old Sea Brigade, Noah Kahan and Harrison Storm, the subtle self-deprecation within Bryant’s writing should be appealing.
The instrumentation of this song is pretty standard for the style and genre, giving focus to the lyrics. There is a small build-up of tension close to the final chorus, but it’s quickly resolved. While some more variation could have created more activity within the song, the song isn’t set back by its instrumentation.
“High Season” is set to feature on Jon Bryant’s upcoming album, Therapy Notes, where listeners can expect to “be curious about life.” If you’re looking for a song to reflect with on a rainy day, Jon Bryant may have just what you’re looking for.
