Jerskin Fendrix discusses the intricate beauty of death on his latest album
shining, and the serene ambiance sets the stage as Jerskin Fendrix reminisces about his formative years in Shropshire. The picturesque landscapes of nature, forests, and hills intertwined seamlessly with the carefree antics of teenage life form the backdrop of his nostalgic memories. His album, Once Upon a Time … in Shropshire, beautifully encapsulates this naïve innocence and bucolic charm before the shadows of life’s complexities creep in.
Despite the tranquility of his surroundings, personal tragedies pierced the peaceful facade. The loss of a close friend to suicide, compounded by subsequent deaths, plunged Fendrix into a realm of grief and introspection, far removed from the conventional narrative of mourning. Death, he reflects, is a kaleidoscope of emotions – simultaneously trivial, funny, and profoundly devastating. In his words, “Death is the same thing as life – it’s as complicated and kaleidoscopically beautiful.”
Once Upon a Time … in Shropshire serves as a poignant reflection of these intricate emotions. From explosive post-rock compositions to tender ballads, Fendrix’s musical canvas unravels a tapestry of emotions – bold, dramatic, vulnerable, intimate, and humorous. The album acts as a vessel for Fendrix to navigate through the tumultuous waters of grief and loss, confronting pain and anguish head-on. His vocal range extends to previously uncharted territories, mirroring the depths of his emotional journey during its creation.
Born as Joscelin Dent-Pooley, Fendrix’s artistic moniker was coined in jest by a friend, an identity that stuck through his musical endeavors. Beyond the facade of accolades and recognition, Fendrix’s roots in Shropshire run deep, serving as a haven amidst life’s storms. The sudden loss of his father during the album’s conception added a layer of raw emotion and vulnerability to the recording process. Solitude became his companion as he navigated through his grief, summoning echoes of the living and dead to accompany him in his creative venture.
Amidst the turbulence of loss, Fendrix revisits cherished memories of camaraderie and simplicity, finding beauty in the mundane and the ordinary. The album becomes a testament to finding solace and meaning in life’s upheavals, urging listeners to embrace the beauty in their own narratives. As Fendrix reflects on past gatherings and revelries, the essence of simplicity and joy shine through, juxtaposed against the backdrop of grief and introspection.
The conversation draws to a close, and Fendrix circles back to a pivotal moment by the river. A somber tale unfolds as he recalls a friend’s wake, intertwined with nature’s ominous presence. The river, a silent witness to their shared memories, swells with a haunting significance as the rain begins to pour. The fleeting moment serves as a poignant reminder of life’s transient nature, where memories intertwine with nature’s rhythms, shaping our narratives.
Once Upon a Time … in Shropshire is more than an album – it’s a journey through the complex tapestry of life, death, and the enduring beauty found in the midst of chaos. Fendrix’s emotional odyssey unfolds through each note, offering solace, introspection, and a poignant reminder of the resilience found in embracing life’s deepest sorrows.