Track Review: Wendy Jack // White Bicycle
Bursting onto the music scene in 2011 with her well-received debut single ‘Sunsets’, singer-songwriter Wendy Jack has been building a strong reputation for honest lyricism, meaningful melodies and engaging performances. In 2016, after releasing her single ‘Woolly Jumpers’, the Northern Irish songstress relocated to Rathlin Island for a short hiatus from the music scene; however, she came back with a blast in 2019 with her retrospective album Sunsets. Her latest single is the power-pop meets folk single ‘White Bicycle’.
A well-received artist, Wendy has been featured in notable publications like The Other Side Reviews and Hot Press Magazine described as someone who can “effortlessly draws you into the imagery of the lyrics while pumping happy vibes into your veins” (The Other Side Reviews). ‘White Bicycle’ is merely a continuation of Wendy’s seamlessly soothing skills as she fuses acoustic folk with elements of alternative pop.
Using simple acoustic instrumentation with some 1980s pop keys, ‘White Bicycle’ is a laidback and moving track. Written as a tribute to her colleague and friend Gavin Mee who, sadly, passed away in 2018, ‘White Bicycle’ is far more meaningful than a charming song with endearing lyrics. It showcases Wendy’s skill to create a moving soundscape with a storytelling narrative.
The sonic representation of heartfelt honesty, ‘White Bicycle’ appears to be laidback and lighthearted; however, the tribute element illustrates depth and significance in the content. While the acoustic guitar-driven track tips its hat to the sounds of Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, Wendy Jack places a distinctive stamp with whimsical melodies and haunting vocals.
“I decided to record and release the song as a single both to keep his [Gavin Mee] memory alive and to encourage new people to seek out and listen to the musical legacy he left behind.” – Wendy Jack on ‘White Bicycle’