Philadelphia-based artist John Bickel’s latest song, “Calling on Sunshine,” is an ecstatic outburst of finger-snapping rock and soul, demanding joy in the face of life’s worldly challenges. The track stands at nearly five minutes, and seems to be a masterclass in choosing the most harmonious, funky elements across a multitude of classic American genres – and blending them like there’s nothing to it. Its refreshing to hear an artist so in command of the energy flowing out from their work; Bickel taking you to ecstatic highs with falsetto notes emblematic of groove-titan Stevie Wonder, and cooling you back down to a simmer as he whispers the blues.
The power-house track opens with layers of soulful humming by Bickel, soon to explode into a soulful, musical purgation that offers release from life’s Kafkaesque struggles. Thematically, Bickel does not shy away from reality – sometimes life can present complex challenges, and even your small ones can build upon each other and grind away at the soul, like a cheap mortar and pestle. Bickel however, bites back – displaying unwavering joy and urging you to experience it with him. It’s a sermon of hope, promising that kindness, community, and love offers absolution.
And every day you’re gonna wanna run away / cos’ you’re feeling so unsure
And every slip brings another load o’ shit / I can’t take it anymore
This lyric couplet evokes one of my favorite listening experiences; the cathartic type, where an artist screeches his anguish into song and you get to sing along – but the pain is cushioned by joyous rhythm and celestial harmonies that allow you to vent, then ultimately cleanse your soul. It’s religious, in a way – which “Calling on Sunshine” seems to intend.
Call on sunshine / Hallelujah / Only child o’ mine
I try to bring a message (hallelujah) / to the people who love the world
Bickel positions himself as a prophet of euphoria, pleading, even demanding listeners to open their hearts and let happiness in with his explosive cacophony of rag-tag keys, curly guitar shreds and unfaltering bass. “Calling on Sunshine” is a soul song, but the rock and gospel influences are undeniable. At the three-and-a-half minute mark, you are delighted with a harmonica breakdown – the hoedown begins. The harmonica soars through an array of whisper-beats and scats, prompting the sonic vision of “Get Down” by Curtis Mayfield to mind.
“Calling On Sunshine” sounds organic above all, like it was borne impulsively in the low light of a dingy soul joint, amidst the glow of cigars and knee-slapping jokes between strangers. The glorious track is the first to be released by John Bickel in 2022, with more to follow before a full album release later this year, of which I will be hip-shaking along to as soon as it drops.
