You may know Jimmy Palko as the bass player for the New Hampshire-based DIY staple, Perspective, a Lovely Hand to Hold. In fact, the band is still riding high after a stellar and energetic performance at THE FEST 18 down in Gainesville, Florida this past weekend.
But, to fans’ surprise and most certainly delight, he’s taking a turn at being the frontman for once, under the moniker Jimmy Montague. Montague’s solo record, Light Of The Afternoon, is set to be released later this month.
In anticipation of the LP’s release, Montague will be releasing a single, “Ridgewood”, on Monday, November 11th — and Double Negative was kindly granted an early track listen.
I immediately felt connected to the cathartic track (which draws similarities to the ‘60s tunes sung by the likes of acoustic-focused-greats Paul Simon and Bob Dylan) because Montague and I both reside in the sleepy neighborhood of Ridgewood, New York — just outside of Brooklyn. And, similar to Paul Simon — who also called Queens home — Montague’s “Ridgewood” is incredibly mature, cultured, and melodically engaging.
What I found particularly astounding about this track that is surely a testament to Montague’s talent as a musician was that he was able to make a song about a neighborhood that is home to nearly 70,000 people feel both introspective and personal. The light and easy guitar strumming coupled with faint, yet impactful drumming draws the listener in with the safety and familiarity of home — no matter where in the world they may inhabit.
Montague notes that Ridgewood is the perfect place to embark on a stroll, because you’re never truly lost amidst the plethora of laundromats, 24 hour bodegas, and subway entrances. Cymbals clash as Montague earnestly sings, “there'll always be another city I can go / to when I feel all hung up and I’m feelin’ so alone.” For him, Ridgewood is that city, and the familiarity of those cookie cutter streets is as welcomed as it is expected. There’s something comforting and inviting to know that although there may be chaos and frequent change in one’s own life, the old-town-charm and “worn down statues” lining the bustling streets of Ridgewood are a mainstay.
The anthemic hymns of “Ridgewood” are a reminder that it is possible to be alone and not feel lonely. And, according to Montague, that solitude is a much needed reprieve from the trials and tribulations of daily city life. An area built for reflection and assessment of life in its current state is very much needed in the midst of a chaotic concrete jungle.
As the weather cools and the sun sets earlier, it’s the perfect chance for you to put your headphones in and take a trip to “Ridgewood” for yourself. And don’t forget to check out Light Of The Afternoon in its entirety when it drops on November 18th.
