Idaho-based songsmith Jens Kuross’s newest release is by far his warmest and most intimate-sounding yet, with just voice and electric piano, surrounded in places by subtle ambient synth, creating the sound. This stripped-back and close-up direction is, for the most part, thanks to guitarist Hayden Pedigo, whom Jens opened for in Idaho back in 2023. At this point, Jens had hit a wall with his music, with labels dismissing him and the future looking less than bright. Moved to tears by the purity and beauty of Jens’ music, Hayden contacted him and suggested he record an album of songs that captured the energy and spirit of the live show. Thus, Crooked Songs was born.
It was an inspired idea from Hayden to eschew the polished style of Jens’ previous releases in favour of a more live and lived-in sound, perfectly suiting the unpretentious nature of Jens’ beautiful songs. The electric piano used here has such a unique character that it would have been a real shame to smother it and smooth its edges. Just listen to the keys clunking down on the melancholy Hymn of Defeat, with Jens’ sighing breath introducing the song and the almost (intentionally sounding) heavy-handed nature of the playing adding to a feeling of quiet despair veiling a hint of hope: ‘So simple to forgive the shame / The ways I’ve been mistreated / For all that has defeated me / Will one day be defeated’. Already, we see why Hayden was emotional.
There are so many moments on this album that remind me why I love the less-produced side of music. A footstep and a creak of something just before No One’s Hiding from the Sun begins; the hum of the synth briefly interjects a minute into the same song. Half of the little touches seasoning this set feel accidental and left in to enhance the life of the sound; the other half feel like subtle tweaks to songs that need very little help to shine.
Jens’ playing throughout mirrors the production in that he doesn’t seem to feel the need to add unnecessary notes and flourishes, seeming instead to trust that his songs have enough power in their purest form. Lead single Beggar’s Nation is as good an example as any, with minimal chords played deliberately bringing to mind Kid A or Amnesiac era Radiohead in places, especially during the repeated ‘It goes around, it comes around’ line.
The album ends with the very pretty and optimistic Crooked Song, one that feels very pertinent to the project and its journey to fruition: ‘Because today I feel like singing / To stop this world from changing me’. This simple message is delivered with minimal piano chords, and the album plays out with the sound of Jens moving around in his kitchen; the teaspoon clinks against the cup; the floor creaks. It is the sound of life and a perfect way to end such a raw, bold set of songs that are quietly profound and powerful in their unvarnished delivery. This album is something special.
Crooked Songs (August 29th, 2025) Woodsist
