Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

These Restless Hearts of ours are in eager need of comfort, they expect reassurance from love and the meaning of art as it eases those emotional shocks and confusions of loss, and faith. The commotions of navigating the errant nature of Time as it bypasses us, streaks by in the blink of an eye, and the disturbances of love that cause the organ at the very centre of our being to wobble and become distressed at times when we require stability and firmness of spirit.

There is nothing wrong with losing your heart in a foolish endeavour, but it must be soothed, eased of its burden by one who adds creative, steadfast consistency in their words, their heartfelt lyric, and the tune in which the heart, no matter how restless, can feel the calm lapping at the shores of contentment.

The multi-award-winning John Jenkins returns to the emotional front and picks up the mantle of faithfulness to the dedication of storytelling within song and does so with aplomb in Restless Hearts.

Across tracks such as The Disappearance, Colorado In The Spring, the underlining truth of I Didn’t Really Want To Change The World, the fierce drive that comes from the memory of the artist’s vision of Brooklyn, the near autobiographical feel of Spent The Night In Austin, and The Man Who Breaks Your Heart, John Jenkins thoughtful, almost philosophical and elevating music is deep, personal, and full of personality.

Following on from the outstanding 2023’s Tuebrook could have been a big ask of the artist, and even in the six strong E.P. Weary from 2024, what followed could have been arguably a slow down in production; however, John Jenkins’ personal faith in music would always refuse such a lack of decorum, and with a fantastic array of musicianship alongside him, including Mikey Kenney, Scott, Chris Howard, Phil Chisnall, Pippa Murdie, and Jon Lawton, the album once again enhances the haunting beauty that comes from his visionary process and deep feeling emotional security.

Restless Hearts is simply expressively moving, it is touching, it captures the edge of the agitated soul and pacifies the troubled spirit. There can be no greater sense of ease and powerful relief.

Ian D. Hall