EP Review: j:dead - Vision Of Time
j:dead is one of the most interesting and ear catching artists on the scene, putting out tracks that feel not only brand spanking-ly fresh but also full of nostalgia for what makes electronic music great in the first place. Let's explore his latest vision..
After the release of their album “A Complicated Genocide” in early 2021, j:dead are back in quick succession with their latest 6 track EP “Vision of time” via Infacted Recordings. The first single from this EP “I’ll wait” was released in Dec 2021 alongside a music video and remixes from Lights of Euphoria and TeknoVore.
Vision of time will be released via Infacted recordings on the 18/02/22 both digitally and physically (with the physical edition featuring an additional 7 remixes from acts such as Rotersand, The Saint Paul, Nature of wires, Life Cried and Station Echo)
The concept around the EP covers a range of situations and perspectives on time being the only thing we cannot change. And time itself can change things for the better, worse or for change's sake. j:dead have kept to their foundation of powerful vocals and strong danceable melodies yet developed their diversity of influencing - further enhancing their position in electronic music.
As Vision of time is released j:dead will already be in the final production stages of their 3rd release, expected late 2022. 2022 will be the year you are never far away from a j:dead release with these two EP’s alongside further collaboration tracks and remixes.
Review
'I'll Wait' opens up with the signature synthpop-cyber wave j:dead has already finely tuned himself in to. There is a good amount of energy and crystal clear vocals as usual. There are some points where Jay has pushed his voice a little far and sounds a little forced, but the rest of the vocals are on point and more than make up for this.
There's always a great structural mix of meaningful lyrics swathed with catchy as hell electronics and this track is no different in that formulae of dance endorphin highs.
'Whole' has a nice and soothing chorus amongst the relaxed first half of verses, which is met by emo like aggressive retorts in the later half intermixed between that soothing chorus - making for a very interesting juxtaposition of emotions.
'Hold Tight' is a progressive stomp of similar fashion to the previous song. The array of emotion and ways to display them mix well in amongst the memorable electronics.
'Afraid' has a much more powerful scream range and dance heavy beat similar to that of the previous release of 'A Complicated Genocide', this is the type of track Jay really excels at. Finding that fine point between what makes metal music and industrial music blend well together but more balanced towards the electro-industrial rather than the metal as is the usual standard mix amongst other artists.
In short.. This is a great track that promotes a formulae of music rarely heard before.
'Evil In A Bottle' seems like a tragic lullaby for the senses after the previous track; The type of song that plays out the end of a very, very long night as you slip in to spiritual satisfaction and bodily exhaustion. A very peaceful track overall.
'A Little Time' is another great addition to the j:dead catalogue to finish off with. It seems to be a jubilant mix of all the other tracks on this release in to one last sortie of dance and emotional outpour. It's constant and steady beat makes for easy listening.
Where this release truly becomes a must buy however is in the remixes available on the CD! Part of me really hopes j:dead releases them on to other platforms like Spotify eventually however so I can easily add it to my driving playlist!
The Teknovore and Rotersand remixes are my two favourites amongst the host of great remixes. Each mix brings a whole new life and feel to each song and ups the ante and energy 10 fold, you really do need to go hear them.
Tracklist
As you can see, the CD version has a lot of great remixes to discover as well!
Conclusion
Another fine release from one of the rising princes of industrial. Although not quite as favourable as previous releases personally, I still find this release worth a spot on everyone's playlist none the less. As I already mentioned, Jay has bridged that much needed gap of industrial and Synthpop meeting metal vocals that makes for a unique and relatable musical experience, one in which the industrial scene has been surprisingly lacking; Usually favouring heavier metal intermixed with industrial rather than joyous synthpop mixed with some metal aspects. This makes j:dead stand out and I for one will be routing for every release he can manage to blast us with in future!
Scores
Technicality: 7/10
Soul factor: 7/10
Energy: 7/10
Vocals/Samples: 8/10
Re-play value: 7/10
Overall score: 7.2 / 10
(Add +1 to all scores if counting the remixes)
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