In September, Jack Jones released his highly anticipated self-titled debut solo album, marking a bold new chapter in his musical journey. Best known as the charismatic frontman of Welsh indie rock band Trampolene and a key guitarist for Pete Doherty, Jack is already a familiar face in the music world. However, Jack’s solo project offers a strikingly different side to his artistry, with his bold experimentation giving rise to a fresh sound that contrasts sharply with the style fans are accustomed to. We caught the Manchester date of Jack Jones’ debut solo headline tour.
The night kicked off with Jack Valero, who set the stage alight with his captivating performance. The singer-songwriter opened strong with the raw intensity of ‘Catch My Soul’, immediately impressing the crowd, many of whom had traveled specifically to catch his set. Solo and armed only with his acoustic guitar, Jack delivered an electrifying live sound that never faltered. His setlist was a vibrant blend of genres, offering something for everyone – from the anthemic power-pop of ‘Pull Back the Hammer’ to a moving rendition of ‘Redemption Song’. Especially poignant the day after the US election, the iconic track resonated deeply, showcasing Jack’s commanding vocals – an unmistakable evolution since his days fronting Brighton’s The RPMs.
For the penultimate track of his set, Jack invited Jack Jones to the stage for a heartfelt rendition of Trampolene’s ‘The One Who Loves You’. The unrequited love anthem struck a chord with the crowd, who sang along to every word. It was a special moment, highlighted by the easy camaraderie between the two Jacks, whose onstage banter added an extra layer of warmth to the performance. Closing the set with ‘This is a Nightmare’ from his debut EP of the same name, Jack delivered a brutally honest track that showcased his ability to blend raw, poetic lyrics with compelling melodies. It was a powerful reminder of his unique talent for weaving emotion into every note, and we can’t to see what he has in-store for us in 2025.
Jack Jones kicked off his set with ‘Who Let the Bass Pump through the Floor’ igniting an electric response from the crowd. Their energy mirrored Jack Valero’s as he moved freely across the stage, unburdened by a guitar, bouncing to the beat with a new sense of liberation. ‘Peaches Out of Reach’ followed – opening with a nostalgic synth line that evokes classic video game soundtracks, the single gradually layers in rhythmic percussion, steadily building toward a captivating chorus. A gifted lyricist, Jack brings his signature charm to his solo work, with ‘Peaches Out of Reach‘ showcasing his delicate vocals as they float through the track, celebrating life’s simple pleasures.
Featuring a lush, keyboard-laden backdrop and a rolling beat, the albums lead single ‘Breathe’ was next to impress, with its laid-back sound contrasting powerfully with Jack’s raw, unflinching lyrics that delve into the struggles of living with anxiety and the reliance on self-medication to cope. While many artists have one standout song, Jack’s entire debut album shines as a cohesive masterpiece, each track a blend of melodic richness and lyrics that range from playful to profoundly heartfelt. One of the set’s standout moments was the uplifting ‘Gladys’, a humorous and candid tribute to Jack’s therapist, which serves as a testament to his knack for finding humour and depth in life’s everyday moments.
Jack’s free spirit, lovable personality, and sharp sense of humour lit up the stage, especially when, four songs in, he realised he’d forgotten to make his planned grand entrance. With the crowd cheering him on to do it on the spot, Jack playfully exited the stage only to reintroduce himself moments later – prompting a rapturous response. ‘The Mountains (You & I)’ came next – a profoundly personal song that Jack wrote after a life-chanting retreat at a silent Buddhist monastery, where he sought recovery from addiction. Alongside a steady beat and infectious melody, Jack’s voice carried a message of resilience and gratitude for his second chance at life. Creating both a shared experience of vulnerability and hope, and erasing the divide between artist and audience, Jack sang to fans in the crowd, who echoed each line back to him.
Opening with the sound of bells ringing, reminiscent of an incoming phone call, ‘Dumb Phone’ burst to life with Jack’s rapid-fire lyrics, showcasing his sharp delivery as he ranted about the pitfalls of smartphones and social media. Keeping the energy soaring, ‘MDMA DAY’ followed, with Jack narrating a countdown to payday, eagerly anticipating the next rush. Demonstrating his prowess as a songwriter, the track’s upbeat disco shuffle perfectly captures the euphoria of the high, while a haunting, distorted vocal lingers in the background, symbolising the inevitable comedown and the darker side of the cycle.
‘Swim Up’ was another unforgettable highlight in the set. Jack’s debut solo release, it offered a glimpse into his unique and prolific talent, capturing the raw emotion of the early days of a new relationship. Marked by minimalist synth work, brooding beats, and intimate lyrics, it stirred a deeply emotional response from the crowd of dedicated fans, and perfectly encapsulated Jack’s remarkable ability to pour genuine emotion into every note, showcasing the depth of his artistry. Building on the emotional depth of ‘Swim Up’, the stunning ‘Love & Tears’ followed. Originally a poem Jack wrote after the passing of his grandmother, the piano-driven ballad is enriched by vocal samples of the influential women in his life. Subtle use of autotune enhances the track, serving as an instrument in itself, while the heartfelt chorus amplifies the sincerity and depth of Jack’s poignant lyrics.
‘Uncle Brian’s Abattoir’ was the penultimate track of the evening. Recorded during lockdown as a remote duet with Pete Doherty, this spoken-word piece has since become a beloved staple in Jack’s live performances. Its childlike innocence perfectly complemented the intimate setting of the venue, creating a unique, evocative moment for the audience that only intensified during the final track of the night – The Puta Madres’ track, ‘Paradise is Under your Nose’. Ending on the highest note possible, the poetic track saw Jack perform at the front of the stage, armed with an unplugged acoustic guitar and no microphone. A truly special moment, and one that could only unfold in a grassroots venue as intimate as YES.
All photography is by Sal_GigJunkie. You can see more of Sal’s work on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
