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Thursday, May 30, 2024
Album Review: Jon Muq – Flying Away
Ugandan guitarist and singer/songwriter Jon Muq has already lived more in his life than some would do in ten. His story is one for a future memoir; growing up in Uganda, obsessively learning "We are the World", busking for homeless children, playing…
Ugandan guitarist and singer/songwriter Jon Muq has already lived more in his life than some would do in ten. His story is one for a future memoir; growing up in Uganda, obsessively learning "We are the World", busking for homeless children, playing on a cruise ship, making his way to Austin, TX, opening for The Black Keys, Billy Joel, Norah Jones and a number of other noteworthy artists, and then getting Dan Auerbach to produce his debut album.
All of these experiences and influences come to fruition Flying Away, an eclectic mix of worldly folk, blues, afropop, R&B, 70's soft rock, and a smattering of everything else. And the way he tells his story through his songs in such a soulful way is what really helps him stick the landing.
"I feel like a runaway...don't look back, I gotta keep on going" sounds like Muq's mantra for his life on the move, which he sings over a light reggae groove on lead single "Runaway". The arrangement, bringing in acoustic guitars and piano over a mellow beat, with a little western electric guitar for texture, sounds fresh when paired with his sorrowful vocal delivery. And it sounds completely different than the brilliant "One You Love", with its melancholy piano melody and afrobeat rhythms. It's probably Muq's best pop composition on Flying Away, classic in its structure and shining in its emotive vocal performance.
Love is definitely on Muq's mind throughout the album (in the titles alone; "Lucy Love", "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying" and "Love, Love, Love" follow soon after "One You Love", with the latter showcasing some Beatles influences). And while lyrically some of these tracks feel a bit simple and tread into vapid soft rock territories, Muq almost always keeps the music adventurous and interesting.
"Shake Shake" is a danceable folk pop number that is pure "feel good" vibes (watch this viral video of kids from his hometown of Kampala dancing to the track), while "Bend" utilizes a jazzier arrangement and bluesy guitar parts. Auerbach's influence can certainly be heard in the R&B rhythms and classic rock flavor of "Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying", but Muq is always the driving force behind this very melodic collection of songs. He ventures into jangly 60's pop with "Flying Away From Home" (which lyrically also acts as a night bookend for "Runaway"), another Beatles-esque number with a jaunty rhythm, harmonized vocals and a sizzling guitar solo. The album closes on a somber but empowering note with "Riding", a reflective track that feels like an encapsulation of everything Muq has experienced so far, even as he keeps looking forward; "I've seen the world standing still, I've seen the leaders come and go...even as I keep riding all alone."
Jon Muq is a journeyman, and Flying Away is a strong start for his musical journey. Aside from the occasional saccharine lyric, it's a debut that covers a wide breadth of musical influences to match the expansive life Muq has already lived. It will certainly invest you in whatever the next chapter of his story is.
The album is out everywhere May 31st on Auerbach's Easy Eye Sound. Catch Muq on tour opening for The Black Keys and playing a number of festivals this year, and listen to his pre-released tracks here!
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