Brighton-based artist Jacko Hooper has collaborated, performed and released records with a multitude of leading artists such as James Bay, Bastille, James Blunt and Michael Kiwanuka over the past decade. But, after founding the Folklore Sessions in 2021, a promotions company based in his hometown, he decided to release his own full-length album and began working on his ten-track record titled Respair.
The album captures Hooper’s struggle with mental health after a significant event in his life left him in a crisis. Hooper felt the need to document his experience to be able to truly move beyond it. The LP includes contributions from a whole host of talented musicians including Harry Fausing Smith, Chris Matthewson, Joe Hall, Rebecca Brandler and Tommy Peach, and was mixed by his longtime friend and collaborator, Josh Trinnaman of Luo.
The opening track, “Nowhere”, sets the tone for the album with its melancholic and introspective sound. The track’s instrumentals are minimal, allowing Hooper’s emotive lyrics and delicate guitar tones to take centre stage. “Getting No Place Fast” continues with his soulful vocals carrying blissful melodic leads to craft a captivating indie anthem that pulls elements of pop, rock and folk into his sensational sonic world.
Hooper showcases his range in “Zombie”, which sees the artist slow it down and strip away the shine and grandeur to deliver a delicate and moving acoustic folk outing. Likewise “It’s More Than Enough” is another reflective moment on the album. The song is a beautiful, stripped-back ballad that showcases Hooper’s emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics, before erupting to a euphoric climax of uplifting instrumentation.
The album’s title track, “Respair”, is a standout song with its driving indie rock sound and compelling vocals. The track builds to an energetic guitar-led arrangement, and a simple, yet powerful, drumbeat. Hooper’s voice has a raw, emotional quality that adds to the track’s ethereal sound.
Closing out the album is “My Hometown’s a Graveyard”, which has a haunting and eerie sound. The track features a minimal backing to allow the artist’s graceful vocal delivery to gently float above, offering the perfect book-end to a stunning musical journey.
Overall, Respair is a beautiful, raw and emotional album that showcases Hooper’s songwriting and vocal abilities. The album’s themes of mental health and introspection are explored in a delicate and thoughtful manner. Hooper’s ability to convey complex emotions through his lyrics and voice is a testament to his talent as an artist and with Respair, he serves up his magnum opus that’s sure to stand the test of time as a work of art.
Listen to Respair below
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