After several singles and EPs since 2023, Oxford-based singer and producer John Goldrust has finally released his full-length debut, Like A Phoenix. The record follows a loose concept centered around human relationships, from romantic to family as well as the one each person has with the society around them. It’s a beautiful and careful depiction led by a merge of indie folk arrangements and alternative rock dynamics that works exceptionally well.
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John explores intimacy from a myriad of different angles, approaching the music itself with the same level of care. The artist himself says he’s inspired by other singers and songwriter such as Suzanne Vega and Paul Simon as well as by the post-punk musings of The Cure, managing to find himself right in the middle of everything. His lyrics often explore the never-ending duality that exists in us all, giving room for both darkness and light as expressions of unfiltered human emotion.
A highlight from the record is the single “Like A Phoenix from a Fire”, originally released in 2023, that now feels more polished and way more intriguing. The track flows with the same kind of experimentation usually seen on Fiona Apple at her best, standing as a quick-witted piece soundtracked by interesting percussion and melodica, played by musician I-Lodica. It also stands as the central theme of the record, speaking of fresh starts and the hope that comes with it. John does an exceptional job in finding hope amongst adversity on Like A Phoenix, as also seen on “Nightmare Attack”.
A perfect example of his post-punk influences shining through, the song offers a dark mood that feels undeniably real. John’s willingness of going deep into the most somber aspects of human relationships while still retaining a perfectly clear silver lining is utterly remarkable, as seen on lyrics such as ‘Is there a light at the end of the tunnel/Or the darkness we despise?‘. The Oxford-based musician explores the nuances that come with life in a candid and straightforward way since his early singles, some of which are also featured on the record.
On “The One to Call”, originally from last year, the artist offers a stripped-back and distorted portrayal of unrequited support in its most devastating: ‘You were the one to call/You were alone/I was the one to fall/All on my own‘. The stark simplicity in both the production as well as the lyrics makes it universal and relatable, and the same thing can be said about the stunning opener “The One for Me”. The track is a sincere portrayal of how unconditional love can transcend the boundaries of spacetime, led by beautiful lullaby-like melodies and acoustic guitars. It sets the tone perfectly, and never one he lets that feeling go.
Like a Phoenix is a truly remarkable collection of emotions in the form of songs that display unmatched sensibility and craftsmanship. The full-length debut from John Goldrust is one that you won’t want to miss out on, as it firmly stands as one of the best records of the year without any shadow of a doubt.
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🔥#DebutAlbum🔥Like a Phoenix by John Goldrust is a truly remarkable collection of emotions in the form of songs that display unmatched sensibility and craftsmanship.
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— Jpgchief (@jpgchief.bsky.social) 22 de octubre de 2026 a las 14:22
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the center didn’t hold