11 track album of indie art rock songs about coming back to life after a long hiatus.

With Gem on drums, keys, and additional vocals, classical tenor James Robinson on additional vocals, Negrita Yani on accordion, and Duo Toque de Azafrán on saxophone and melodica. Produced by Ben Turner.

This one probably has the best versions of “F Train Over Brooklyn” and “Pennsylvania”, and it has a number of other hits of mine from this time, including “Sparks!” and the title track.

Generally regarded as my most accessible album, though I think Miracle on Neon Clown Avenue turned out to actually be more popular!

Following the album’s release, I went on a 7-week acoustic tour in the UK and mainland Europe, joined by a variety of performers including JD Meatyard of the Calvin Party, Jason Trachtenburg of the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players, and the Belgian-Dutch romantic punk artist France de Griessen.

Videos from the tour: bits of songs in various locations, bits and bobs from various locations, bits of songs at the London Antifolk Festival, full concert with Jason Trachtenburg in Amsterdam, full concert with Mandus Berg in Stockholm

Photos from the tour: UK leg // EU leg

Kléo’s piece from the day of the album’s release

released October 22, 2023

Melissa Greener took the photo on the album cover.

Jesse wrote the music and lyrics, played the basses and guitars on all tracks, sang the songs, and designed the album cover.

James Robinson sang lead vocals on track 4, and additional vocals on all other tracks.

Gem sang additional vocals on tracks 3, 5, 6, and 10, and played the drums, percussion, hammond organs, synthesizers, and pianos on all tracks.

Jojo Rita played the melodica on tracks 2, 7, and 10.

Amazilia played the saxophone on tracks 4, 6, and 12.

Negrita Yani played the accordion on tracks 5, 11, and 13.

Ben Turner engineered, mixed, and produced the recordings.

Additional mixing on tracks 10 and 11 by Gem.

Peter Fletcher mastered the album.