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Photo: Adrian Nieto

Indie pop multi-instrumentalist JAWNY has finally released his long-awaited debut album, It's Never Fair, Always True. It's an ambitious, energetic album that explores the ups and downs of life and love in its purest moments with bold arrangements and explosive rock elements, making it a promising showcasing of the artist's range and musical vision and poising JAWNY to significantly impact the indie scene and beyond.

The record opens with a brisk "intro" that sees JAWNY sticking to the bold mantra "Never fair it's always true / I know that I'm in love with you / It's always," which he sings over shimmering production. Then, as the track throws you into his serotonin-lifting world, the spritely keys offer clues of the vibrant palette on the horizon as the track grows in a whirlwind of romance.

In "strawberry chainsaw," it's clear that this album is all about expanding the colorful universe JAWNY laid the groundwork for with a string of early singles. The punchy, previously-released track is a grunge-flecked anthem that cuts deep as he dispatches lovelorn verses. "My worst fear is a one where you're not near," he sings. "Cause I love you more than I could love myself." JAWNY's larger-than-life personality is full steam across the easygoing "lalala." There's a lighthearted spirit behind the plucky daydream as the swirling track paints with the dizzying joy of new love and a dash of tenderness.

Going into the first half of the record tracks like the whimsical banger "wide eyed," the pulsing, dance-inducing "death is a dj" and "giving up on you," and the summery ballad "adios," show off the kaleidoscopic layers of JAWNY, illustrating how easily he can get listeners dancing and sobbing with ease, sometimes even at the same time. The Beck-assisted "take it back" is one of the record's grittier moments and is also just as impactful, with the indie iconoclast's presence on the track and flurry of scuzzy alt-rock showing that JAWNY's rapid rise isn't a matter of chance.

Listen to It's Never Fair, Always True below: