Jess Klein

Learning Faith

The title track to Jess Klein’s seventh studio LP sets a tone of seeking and defiance at the outset, a direct and bluesy stare back at struggles personal, cultural, and spiritual. Klein’s vocals and vision have matured with power and confidence, ripping raw on biting rocker “So Fucking Cool,” and beautifully tender in the swells of “Loving You” and weary vulnerability of “Wish.” Klein inhibits perspectives with tangible, reality-grounded emotion, but the local songwriter also manifests the deeply personal aspect of politics with the dark, seething “If There’s a God,” inspired by Wendy Davis’ filibuster. Then there’s “Dear God,” which finds a pregnant teenager grappling with a world where, “I tried to see the doctor today, but the governor slammed the door right in my face.” Finding her own voice while lending it to those in need, Jess Klein’s faith is worn from experience, and stronger for it.

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This article appears in August 8 • 2014.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.