jo from school’s debut EP ‘Grace, Flair, and Distance’ is the antidote to artificiality
The Brit School alum’s debut is a refreshing revelation.
Photo: Lily Doidge
There’s an off-kilter quality to jo from school’s debut EP Grace, Flair, and Distance; therein lies its charm. Across six intimate tracks, Jo Geller captures a deeply genuine and endearing portrait of young adulthood. It’s messy and imperfect in all the right ways.
From the first few fingerpicked bars of Release, I was sold. Jo’s airy vocals float over the grounded instrumentals, which oscillate between propulsive and assertive piano segments and enchanting finger-plucked guitar melodies. At times it reminded me of early Phoebe Bridgers tracks. Jo describes Release as the process of realising that no one is out to get you and serves as an affirmation to release world views that no longer serve you.
We then transition to Six Years of Keeping On, a track that explores the tension Jo contends with in her own career. She touches on her dreams of pursuing music while also rejecting the machine-like industry surrounding it. The instrumentation itself feels like it's trudging forward, straining against the forces pushing against it. The lyrics feel diaristic and earnest, further endearing the listeners to Jo’s plight.
Chicken, her debut single, feels raw and personal. Jo’s wistful lyrics blend beautifully with the primarily acoustic arrangement to create something special. The guitar parts are stunning and give the whole project an entrancing quality. Jo attempted to re-record this track on several occasions but eventually settled on embracing the imperfections of the first draft to tremendous effect.
Underhand opens with a disconcerting yet plucky intro, reminiscent of some of Dodie’s recent work, that transitions into an expansive, grungy chorus. The distorted elements creeping in throughout give the track a unique quality. The track sees Jo reckon with morality and the “hurt” she’s caused, and the weighty instrumental deeply reflects these themes. The way the track plays with contrasting elements and the off-kilter vibe to it makes it a highlight of the project.
Julia Roberts is an effective musical encapsulation of feeling out of body and out of place that ends in a climactic and satisfying cry for help. Meanwhile, Weight serves as a beautiful and deceivingly simple closer. Jo’s vocals are to die for on this one, letting the listener hang onto her every word. Its softness is its greatest strength and completely enchanted me.
Jo’s debut feels so authentic and human. In a time where the world feels increasingly sterile, artificial and unoriginal, Jo’s homegrown sensibilities feel like a quiet sort of rebellion. Her rejection of the music “machine” and embrace of imperfection are equal parts refreshing and endearing.