The Beauty of the Scenic Route: Jess Coombes Captures Regional Magic in New Single “The In Between”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
They say “third time’s a charm,” but for Gloucester’s own Jess Coombes, it feels more like a victory lap. Fresh off the momentum of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Coombes has officially released her third single, “The In Between,” today, February 12, 2026.
If her previous releases were about finding her place, this track is about finding the joy in staying exactly where you are. It’s a polished, heart-on-sleeve anthem for anyone who has ever felt the pressure to reach the “finish line” of life a little too quickly.
The Song: A Masterclass in Country-Pop Mindfulness
“The In Between” is a vibrant slice of contemporary country-pop that manages to feel both expansive and intimate. While many artists in the genre focus on the “leaving” or the “arriving,” Coombes turns her lens toward the middle—the dirt roads, the fading sunsets, and the quiet moments that usually go unnoticed.
The track was co-written and produced by the multi-talented Jake Davey, whose fingerprints are all over the crisp, driving arrangement. Davey handled nearly all the instrumentation, creating a lush sonic landscape that perfectly complements Coombes’ crystalline vocals. With Rhys Zacher providing a steady, grounding heartbeat on the drums, the song captures the physical sensation of a slow afternoon drive through the Australian bush.
“I had a bit of an idea around learning to look at the in-between, rather than always looking forward,” Jess shares. “It’s about slowing down, living in the moment and appreciating the simple things.”
The Artist: Gloucester Roots, National Ambition
Jess Coombes isn’t just singing about regional life; she’s living it. Born and bred on a property in Gloucester, her songwriting is anchored in the authenticity that can only come from growing up outside the city limits.
Her rise has been steady and intentional:
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2024: Released the debut single “Small Town Life,” establishing her narrative voice.
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2025: Followed up with “Found Our Way,” proving her staying power on the airwaves.
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2026: Named a TCMF Discovered finalist at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, a major nod from the industry that she is a name to watch.
For Coombes, storytelling is the “why” behind the music. Her ability to translate the specific details of rural existence into universal pop hooks is what sets her apart in a crowded market.
The Verdict: A Career-Defining Pivot
While “The In Between” maintains the catchy sensibilities of her earlier work, there is a newfound maturity in the songwriting. It’s less about the “hustle” and more about the “harmony.”
As Coombes looks toward a busy 2026—with two more singles already in the pipeline—this release serves as a perfect mission statement. She wants more stages, more radio play, and more listeners, but “The In Between” proves she isn’t going to miss the view on her way to the top.
For fans of: Kelsea Ballerini, Taylor Swift (Fearless era), and local legends like Catherine Britt.
Release Details at a Glance
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Title: The In Between
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Release Date: February 12, 2026
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Producer: Jake Davey
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Upcoming: Two additional singles slated for later this year.