When a song is written in Cairo, you know there has to be someone, or something, interesting behind that song. In this case, the something is new band The Wishing Well, and the someone is lead singer Jai Larkan.

The Wishing Well, a self-described ‘folk rock, orchestral’ band launched their new single, Life on the Border, at the East Brunswick Club to over 200 fans a couple of week ago. Larkan says there was a ‘great crowd’, and the launch which featured comedian Tim McMillan, was ‘awesome.’

The band has been together for just over 12 months and features Tom Morgan on bass, Zac Johnston on first violin, Cat Caneri playing drums as well as harmony vocals, Rachel Byrnes on guitar and piano, Rivkah Larkan on second violin and Jai as lead singer, guitar and songwriter.

Larkan has been immersed in music since he was young and is ‘pretty influenced’ by bands he grew up listening to like Pink Floyd and Bruce Springsteen.

He described the band’s new song, Life on the Border, as being on the border between two different worlds and having to let go of the past and face one’s fears.

“It’s like being between chapters of your life, in transition,” he said.

There is amazing poetry contained within the lyrics, a testament to Larkan’s songwriting abilities, and the song builds strongly, only to pause and fall into an orchestral crescendo. Spine-tingling music.

The Wishing Well has been getting some very favorable reviews and Larkan said that this is helping them to continually find new audiences.

They hope to travel throughout Europe and America, as well as continuing to play festivals.

For Larkan, he simply wants to play to a nice audience who enjoy listening to their music.

Their CD’s are available at live gigs and their website www.thewishingwellband.com