Gloeckner is an enchantress. ‘The Other Side" taken from her debut album ‘’Miles Away’ is dangerously seductive. Jen has managed to attain an exquisite balance between her vocals and instruments, no one particular sound dominates here, which is what gives it an almost hypnotic quality. Jen herself has been quoted as saying that ‘when I write the visions I see and try and interpret are very similar to what one might experience in their dream state. I’ve also had collaborations with musicians in my dreams’ If this is true, then you can be sure that the likes of Bob Dylan and Stevie Nicks have been jamming up a storm in Gloeckners imaginary Woodstock Wonderland. Created in her own home studio, Jen’s music is uncontaminated by corporate agenda and contrived pop culture. It’s ‘real life’ music –it’s twisted and mysterious (and in a good way). Jen cuts to the chase, cuts the crap and tells it like it is without coming across as arrogant. I was completely beguiled by this single. You will be too.

4/5 Stars

Iowan Jen Gloeckner recorded her album in her bedroom and as a singer / songwriter, she does manage to utilise the full benefits of computer based recording. Subtle synth strings sit at the back of a lilting piano and attractively calm beat. A warm sax solo adds a jazz like ambience, but really it is Jen’s mellow but sharp voice, that seems to provide shades of Joni Mitchell and Carole King. You’re left with the sounds of a smokey room, or a sunny beach front house with the windows wide open. Relaxing, seductive stuff.

'OTHERSIDE' - Jan Gloeckner

Taken from her mesmerising debut album 'Miles Away', recorded in a home studio in the decidedly UN-rock 'n' roll town of Dubuque, Iowa, 'Otherside' is textbook new wave femme folk. Fans of Juana Molina and Emiliana Torrini should go ape over this record, and fans of Dido should check it and question why they've been spending the money on her middle of the road ditties when this is deeper and more honest than she'll ever be.

Jen Gloeckner - Other Side (One Little Indian)

Piano and strummed acoustic guitar open this song and you'd be forgiven for filing it away in the 'tasteless and forgettable' category for a moment. But then Jen Gloeckner opens her mouth and transforms the song into a thing of sheer wonderment.

Gloecker is from the small Midwestern state of Iowa and is steeped in the traditions of Tom Waits and Bob Dylan. This sounds like neither of those legends however - in fact there's nobody else this can be compared to really. A dreamy ballad, you can just close your eyes and float away with it, especially when the saxophone kicks in.

She also plays most of the instruments herself and has produced the single as well. Wonderful stuff, it's just a shame that the edit of the single we were sent out faded out obscenely early. Track down the full version and lose yourself in bliss.

- John Murphy