jason april. - up for air (Self Release) [Electronic Music ]
- The Slow Music Movement
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Jason april. is one of those rare beings; there's no online information about who he is, what he does and why he exists, although it appears he has a few credits on other underground artists' tracks, so you'll just have to imagine what he looks like, and what he likes for breakfast.
I do know he's just released his debut EP though, and it shows imagination and promise. I'm guessing the EP was transmitted from a low lit baseroom/bedroom studio, with our man of mystery surrounded by the start of his modular synth collection, some keyboards that span decades, maybe a couple of instruments including a small drum kit, a vocal mic and an overheating computer.
He's obviously got a soft spot for leftfield, restless ambient music , the first two tracks inhabit an otherworldly soundscape of drifting machine noise and playful electronic tones that gently titilate as well as soothe, and "N3W World" even teases some live sounding drums. Things get really interesting though on, "SL33P" when the synths get something of a forward looking eighties infusion, the drum kit is properly dusted off and april. (possibly?) adds his soft, dreamy vocals to fine synth pop effect; although, in the absence of any credits, who knows what guest Infinity+one did?
You're in for a surprise/shock (delete as applicable) next, as "Surfac3_*7" reveals its schmaltzy piano led singer songwriter form from the off - albeit with some nice second half electronic and guitar details that subtly creep in the back door, to radically change the EP's tone. Breathe deeply, or skip as you see fit, to "YHWWHY(iii)", which rounds this intriguing EP off with some more sentimental piano, which this time takes a while to reveal itself, and is largely engulfed by the track's distorted ambient vibe - a wise choice
It's a promising EP, and I'm sure we'll be hearing more from this one.
Playlist Companion
Find april. in the Slow Oddities Playlist.
