One Room Schoolhouse – Crooked Again (2022)
The brainchild of singer-songwriter Jeff Shuck, One Room Schoolhouse traverse genres in his unique and eclectic sound. Inspired by artists like New Order, ABC and John Mayer, there is a bit of diversity in his inspirational melting pot – but it all comes together in a beautifully sophisticated whole. Formed during the Covid-19 pandemic, One Room Schoolhouse is a newbie to the indie music scene; however, he is already turning heads on a global scale. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Crooked Again’.
Described by Find No Enemy as having a wonderfully innovative and distinctive sound, One Room Schoolhouse is not to be pigeon-holed. Following debut single ‘Insta Love Attack’, ‘Crooked Again’ layers soothing jazz tones over high-powered synth-pop aspects. Tossing you immediately into a swirl of new wave sound, One Room Schoolhouse takes us back to the new wave era with its electronic style. Yet, while the synths are dominant a splattering of jazz piano merges with contemporary pop edginess. In fact, One Room Schoolhouse has described his music as “jazz-pop meets new wave”. Personally, I think we need more of this.
While the soaring kaleidoscopic arrangement holds you in the palm of its misty embrace, it is not only the melody that makes your soul sing. One Room Schoolhouse’s melody is enchanting, but the lyrical content enhances the profoundness of the track. One Room Schoolhouse explains that ‘Crooked Again’ is about “coming to grips with yourself. It turns out when we are locked down for months and drink alone at home, you toss out your own empties and have to come to grips with how full the trash bin is…that is what this is all about.”
Reflective, sentimental and tender, this brutally honest single can make you sit back and contemplate your situation. It might have a light-hearted, laidback style but the profound stance really sends you into a sonic spiral. I cannot wait for more from this talented artist.
For more from One Room Schoolhouse check out their Instagram and Spotify.
