Review: Jono McCleery - Reconcile (Sonar Kollektiv)

Will we ever be able to reconcile that Jono McCleery's debut album on Sonar Kollektiv is his best todate? 

I say that as Mr. McCleery has been lucky enough after his debut in 2008 to worked with lots of folks that we love to follow like his work on Ninja Tune (with Fink and Portico Quartet), 'Realise' with Part-Time Hereos (which was included on Wah Wah 45's 15th Birthday release, and now they are 25!) and also with lots of 'dance' artists, like the diverse range of  Maceo Plex, Catz N' Dogz, Karol XVII & MB Valence and Laura Vane!

This might sound a bit odd for the "Nick Drake" we've been waiting for but 'Reconcile' is a distinct change of direction as it was mostly recorded as an instrumental, in a log cabin of all places.  That might sound a bit dull and flat to most of our readers but the production kind of creeps up on your here with added strings/keys/electronics that's makes in far from a campfire recording.

The singles, 'To See You Again' and 'So Messed Up' (see review HERE) are indicative of a more laid-back approach and you can easily see why Sonar Kollektiv were impressed with a downtempo soul chill sound.  And you can tell form the titles that there's a bit theme of introspection ('The One', 'Only You'. 'Like I Do', 'I Try To Remember' etc) and there's a bit of Thom Yorke-ism to this (we're told Radiohead's Phil Selway is a fan of Jono) and Jamie Woon (Ed. I met him once at Cargo years ago).

The title track is particulary stripped back and you can feel some real blues porch heritage to McCleery's vocals and acoustic guitar style and then, at the other extreme, is the 'Let's Get Back To It' that's the most elegantly produced track.

With the help of co-producers Matt Kelly, Greg Haynes (aka Fybe One) and Jesse Koolhaas this album (eight tracks) has a beautiful longevity to it and you never know, if Florence and The Machine can have it at the Proms, the full Jules Buckley experience at the Royal Albert Hall - now wouldn't that be something of a reconcilation?

Artist: Jono McCleery 

Title: Reconcile

Release date: 29th November, 2024

Label: Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number: SK499

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Jono McCleery - To See You Again / So Messed Up (Sonar Kollektiv)

You get the feeling that it was only a matter of time for Jono McCleery to make his name and now he's on Sonar Kollektiv, it's great 'To See You Again'.

Jono McCleery is British singer/songwriter, musician and artist based in London.  In the past he's based in London, he has supported Fink (Ninja Tune) on tour, and collaborated with loads more since

However, this first single from the forthcoming album is best we've heard Jono since his collaborations with Part-Time Hereos in 2019 on Wah Wah 45's - the "Nick Drake" we've been waiting for as the source of 'To See You Again' comes from the passing of his brother.

It's the opening track featured on Colour & Pitch sessions, October 2024 with Will Sumsuch (see below).

And having made a star of Stee Downes, Sonar Kollektiv have filled the space in between with their next star, Jono McCleery is so [un]messed up.

The album 'Reconcile' will be released on November 29th.

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - October 2024

Artist: Jono McCleery 

Title: To See You Again / So Messed Up

Release date: 24th October, 2024

Label: Sonar Kollektiv)

Catalog Number: SK504D,SK505D

Format: Digital / Bandcamp