Open Heart Surgery is the new thoughtful EP from Leeds and Bradford-raised indie pop artist Jack Bailey.
By Graeme Smith
Jack has music in his blood. His musician uncle performs under the name Bailey, and in the band Three Lions. His grandmother was also part of Bradford band Three Good Reasons. He’s partially-sighted, but that hasn’t stopped him performing guitar, synth and percussion on his EP, as well as producing it, mixing it and mastering it, all done from his flat in London.
In his new EP Open Heart Surgery, we get stories of mental health struggles, relationships and love. It opens with piano-led pop ballad Love So Beautiful. Jack’s vocals are instantly striking, soft yet powerful, and becoming almost angelic in the chorus. It’s a beautifully romantic start.
Isn’t it strange? takes things in a moodier direction. Slow and pensive piano sets the tone before soulful vocals come in. The lyrics are touchingly introspective, speaking of mental ruminations and regret. Sanctuary livens things back up again without losing any of the soul-searching. Fiery, quick-fire verses prove a highlight.
Smoke gives us some lively, biting, Ed Sheeran-esque acoustic pop before 13 Questions (a note to a girl…) rounds off the EP. Jack describes it as “kinda a demo I guess” and it closes the EP with a raw and intimate number that perfectly showcases the range of Jack’s vocals.
If you’re a fan of emotional, thoughtful pop, then you’re going to find a lot to love about Jack Bailey’s new EP. With it, he combines an ear for a strong hook with plenty of personal storytelling. Though he’s now abandoned Yorkshire for London, I think we can still claim him as a local lad, and it’s great to hear such catchy pop coming from just down the road.
Open Heart Surgery is out now and you can check it out below.