There is nothing more magical than the spark when a musician realizes he can write songs too. This epiphany opens up a world of opportunities. Now you can share your thoughts and feelings with the world in a way that can entertain and inspire. Australia’s Jack Nolan found that spark years ago and is now releasing his eighth solo album to share his gifts.
Jack Nolan’s The Lonely Petunia blooms like a resilient wildflower—thorny, tender, and tilting toward whatever light it can catch. Released last month, the 8 track album marks his fourth collaboration with Nashville producer Justin Weaver. For this album Nolan trades the rawer edges of past releases like 2023’s Jindabyne for a lush acoustic embrace: mandolin plucks dancing with resonator slide sighs, piano ripples meeting string swells, and minimal percussion thumping like a heartbeat under the outback sky. He channels the lonesome pull of Americana through an Aussie lens, evoking Paul Kelly’s pub-folk intimacy crossed with Ryan Adams’ whiskey-worn wanderlust, all bottled in a record that’s equal parts balm and bruise.
The album takes root with “Always” a delicate opener that unfurls like a well worn blanket. Jack Nolan’s voice provides the warm, weather-beaten croon over mandolin twinkles and faint assortment of ethereal country-tinged sounds. It’s the kind of slow-reveal confessional that hooks you gently to elevate the ache without smothering it.
The elegant expansion grows with “Extraordinary” as it spirals into a psychedelic folk haze. Beautiful piano opens the track to set the slightly darker tone. The vocals of Jack Nolan fit perfectly here with his purposeful singing. Soaring strings add to the motif drawing the listener even closer.
Crawl along with Jack Nolan on ‘The Craw’
The dusty country folk picks up the pace with “The Craw.” Another track that pulls you in with its multiple layers. A steady guitar melody acts as the hook while the lyrics pull you along into the story. Some piano breaks it up to make sure you are still focused to where Jack Nolan wishes to take you.
“You’ve Changed” follows with a bluesy bite, resonator slide snarling over percussive thuds reminiscent of early Lucinda Williams. Nolan doesn’t hold back in his lyrics. He will call out what he sees without the risk of repercussions. More elegant guitar melodies drift in and out of your focus but always lurking in the rear ready to take their turn.
The record closes with “Fading Fast” and its melancholy magic to keep the attention fixed. Feel like I am repeating myself but just pretty melodies without being overbearing or forcing their way into your ears. This is high level songwriting. The Lonely Petunia thrives on its organic sprawl. This album stands as a sturdy songwriting gem—acoustic enough for canyon cruises and soulful enough for solitary sunsets. Sit back, enjoy, and let the beauty take you away.
