A Beacon School Shines Brightly with 'Jon'

A Beacon School, the dream pop project led by New York-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Patrick J. Smith, unveils their mesmerizing single “Jon” from the upcoming LP, yoyo. The track, accompanied by the equally captivating “Potion,” showcases the band’s ability to craft lovely ambient textures that envelop the listener from the very beginning.

“Jon” opens with a delicate interplay of sounds, gracefully ebbing and flowing. As the song progresses, a steady beat enters the mix, injecting it with a boost of energy. The addition of a syncopated bass and layers of synth elements further enrich the composition, creating a full and vibrant sonic landscape.

According to Smith, “Jon” went through various iterations before settling into its current state of electronic drone. Originally conceived as a straightforward guitar song, it evolved over time, reflecting the artist’s tinkering and experimentation. Though devoid of lyrics, the track evokes the essence of New York City at night, an ambiance effectively conveyed through its accompanying visualizer.

A Beacon School’s musical repertoire, spanning from uptempo, jangly pop nuggets to lush shoegaze and intricately-arranged electronic soundscapes, showcases Smith’s versatility and vision. Since the project’s inception in 2009, A Beacon School has steadily made waves in the indie music scene, with notable contributions from Smith’s collaborations with bands like Modern Rivals and Bluffing, as well as his current partnership with Max Savage of Parquet Courts in Maxband.