What's Up! Magazine

Every so often an artist compels us to stop and listen. Perhaps it’s the way they tell the story, or the way the music captures us, but the effect is immediate. Something is different, and like a moth to the flame, we are drawn in. Austin Jenckes is such an artist.

This full length release, Coming of Age can best be described as acoustic pop with a dash of folk and a sprinkle of gospel. Austin’s voice has a wide emotive range sounding similar to John Mayer with some Justin Timberlake on the top end and Chris Cornell on the low end. His falsetto is well placed and sweetly tone-full.

Equally talented vocally as he is on the guitar, Austin has a clever sense of rhythm and articulation. Bassist Justin Harcus does a great job of adding transitioning riffs that glue the songs. Drummer Joey Sanchez is laid back, in the pocket and crisp. Keys are played by Brian Fennel and Dave Coram, adding complexity and mood to the songs they are featured on. Dan Kennelly joins Austin for one track with some soothing electric guitar.

Coming of Age lists 10 tracks but contains an eleventh bonus track. This bonus track contains contemporary vocal effects that bring the song into more of an R&B genre. This track alone warrants Austin to be on the airwaves. But it’s the entire album that will retain a loyal following. The lyrics give us an insightful look into personal spaces, which feels more like sage advice from an old soul than it does from a young man.

Recorded at Wiseman Studios the production work is up to par with any commercially available record. Listening with ear buds make the experience personal, enabling you to discover deeper layers to the music. Vocal harmonies and clean acoustic melodies subtly wait in the background to be discovered.

For the past few weeks, Coming of Age has served as a grounding point reloading the soul with warmth and hope after a long day or challenging event. I highly recommend this album.

Self Released
For more visit: www.austinjenckes.com