John Moods (aka Jonathan Jarzyna of the band Fenster) has already released an EP called So Sweet this year, but it was only the first half of a two-part release. He’ll follow it up with So Nice on August 6, and ultimately the complete So Sweet So Nice will compiled on vinyl. Today he shares a new single from So Nice called “Sensitive One”, and says:
“Sensitive One is an ode to letting guards down and showing that we are affected by the world. A plea to not surrender and become numb to the magic surrounding you even if it means to suffer over and over again. Weakness is a great thing. This monologue by Andrei Tarkovsky from the Russian movie “Stalker” expresses it very beautifully:
“Weakness is a great thing and strength is nothing. When a man is just born he is weak and flexible, when he dies he is hard and insensitive. When a tree is growing it’s tender and pliant but when it’s dry and hard it dies. Hardness and strength are death’s companions. Pliancy and weakness are expressions of the freshness of being, because what has hardened will never win.”
On “Sensitive One”, Moods puts his vulnerability front and centre and supports it with a sensuous soft rock backing. A lackadaisical beat gently propels the track, while pastel synths caress the atmosphere, all setting the scene for Moods’ tender vocals. There’s more than a hint of The Beach Boys’ more serene moments, especially as he delivers the humble plea “Oh Lord believe me / Being the sensitive one / It’s not easy.” But he harnesses the beauty of this admission and guides “Sensitive One” into a sparkling chorus, bringing us even closer to him as he laments “But I am not your funny friend / And I don’t think I can pretend / Anymore.” Despite the sadness in tone and words, there is a minor euphoria that comes with this honesty – especially as its served in such a stylishly produced art pop package.
John Moods’ So Nice is out on August 6 through Arbutus Records (pre-order/save). You can find him on Facebook and Instagram.
