Singles Spotlight:
No Lonesome – “Great Eternal”

Hello reader,

How are you today?

Today, we’re excited to discuss a Chicago-based artist making some great music, No Lonesome. This is the project of songwriter, musician, and producer Jeb Backe (they/them). Within the Chicago music scene, Backe is known for “playing in laidback indie-rock projects Astrachan, Smushie, and Berta Bigtoe.”

Under the No Lonesome moniker, Backe has released A Few Skeletons EP (2023) and their debut full-length album, Flowers Recomposing (2023). Having listened to both recently, I will confidently advocate that you listen to both after checking out the single. Both releases feature strong songwriting and a very chill, folk-pop sound that allows Backe’s vocals to shine.

Not too long ago, I first heard two singles off of No Lonesome’s newest EP, Am I What I’m Not?, which came out on October 15th. I dug “Falls Apart” and still think it’s a good tune worth listening to, but I fell in love with “Great Eternal,” which instantly became my favorite song on the album. And so I knew I had to do a write-up as part of Singles Spotlight to share it with a larger audience on SWT. I am so stoked to share it with you. Spread the word if you like it too!

“Great Eternal” is a song that, according to the EP’s press release, “features over a dozen of Backe’s friends, who recorded their vocals on phones, forming a choir during the song’s ending reprise. Singers include Astrachan, Hannah Sandoz, Avery Riel, and more.” We dig that concept here at SWT. And think you will too.

The song begins with claps and a jubilant rhythm. The melody is welcoming and warm, and this song will become one song that you not only sing along with but also dance along to. It’s truly perfect for an at-home dance party, for seeing them live, and for adventurous road trips on your car’s stereo. The excitement in the song has a ’60s-’70s communal pop vibe. At least to my ears, especially with the gorgeous harmonies and guitarwork that carry the infectious mood. Some listeners may feel that the song would fit right in as part of a late 60s-era film setting, such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The relatively quieter pre-chorus moments in the song serve as a nice melodic shift and allow Backe’s solo vocals a moment in the sun. Their vocals are excellent throughout the song and EP.

Backe shares more insight for the song in the EP’s press release, opining, “The chorus to ‘Great Eternal’ poured out of me while I was sweeping the floor. Letting my mind go wherever it wanted, the words and melody just kind of sprang from my mouth. I was acting in the spirit of having the universe flow through me — and I guess I was in a pretty good mood.”

And it definitely is evident. Listener, I think you’ll agree. Check out the song “Great Eternal” (just hit play), below:

The cover art by Anastasia (Ana) Inciardi for Am I What I’m Not?:

The tracklist for the Am I What I’m Not? EP:

1. Falls Apart (2:59)
2. Foramen (1:45)
3. Good Hurt (3:06)
4. Great Eternal (3:58)

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site: scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions!
Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com