Reflections
By
Alien Jakes
Continuing my theme of linking with local artists is this
release from the duo of Alien Jakes aka XMAN (Vocalist and MC) and Tao White
(Producer and Sound Wave Extraordinaire). These guys are from Frome in Somerset
and have touched on a wide range of musical influences (including Hip Hop,
Grime, lo fi and Trap) during their search of the galaxy for a musical mecca.
I first met XMAN when I attended a two-day Hip-Hop workshop
conducted via Zoom back in March 2020. I attended as lockdown was new then and
I knew this might be interesting and I’d perhaps meet new people. It was well
worth checking out and XMAN was very knowledgeable on the history and origins
of Hip-Hop and the workshop even had me spitting a few bars But, I digress.
When XMAN asked if I would review their next release, I was
only too pleased to accept. I mean what more could I ask for a mixture of
home-grown music mixed with the mention of Aliens, this would be fun.
So, I chucked on my headphones and prepared for a trip into
the cosmos:
Kicking off with the electronic vibes and pounding beats Bang
Crash Landed demonstrates that the guys are back on earth from an alien
abduction and dropping some crazy bars to show they really ain’t playing. That
other worldly musical vibe continues into the title track Reflections,
slightly more laid back the message from the Jakes spaceship sees them
reflecting on what’s gone before and what’s to be, which is the Alien Jakes
rocking the mics, speakers, headphones, and stages. Sway Heavy hits with
a grime vibe to make skies shake. This one is definitely one for the crowds in
the clubs, boom.
Gang Like Us is funky head nod style track which sees
XMAN switching effortlessly between styles on a track that will appeal to the
many. After some hecticness to start you might be fooled by the intro to Pirate
Bay that were gonna drop into something more soulful but, nah, a heavy beat
drops and this one is straight Boombap with a look at darker side of some of
what id going on in the world around us. Time for a short Global Interlude
as XMAN goes acappella to bring the focus to the harm being done to the planet
and the world around us and it only humankind that can bring it all back from
the brink.
Just Be Me brings a simplistic beat with some
ethereal sounds creating a more soulful vibe. The Jakes open you up to auto
suggestion with a deep message to us all asking you to be yourself, don’t be
what others expect or want you to be. Remember to say to yourself “Just Be Me”.
Switching back to a heavy grime vibe Lost In The City pounds your ears
like jackhammers but, has this middle eastern twist. Turn it up and lose
yourself, the track also features Double H. easing it back again The
Alchemist has a more laid-back vibe on a track that explores the alchemical
effect of love.
6Free features Deludo and Finn McVeigh and sees
another trip into the grime infused vibe but, with a more chilled vibe. The
more simplistic beat shifts the focus to the vocals and works perfectly and
allows the wordplay to hold our attention throughout. Ending on a trap/grime
inspired track Thankful which is all about the things to be thankful for
in life. The perfect thought to end on.
On Reflections, Alien Jakes provide a well-balanced mix of
underground musical vibes which makes this the perfect album to cross
generations. Now, I have always maintained I am not keen on some of the Grime
and Trap vibes and while that is still the case, albums like this really make
these cross-genre experiences far more enjoyable.
Lyrically there is nothing to fault on the album XMAN is
more than capable of switching seamlessly between styles and shows a wealth of
knowledge and awareness which is invaluable when you are looking appeal to such
a wide audience. That is matched in Tao White’s production which demonstrates a
fundamental awareness of the musical vision for the Jakes and fully able to mix
it up and create vibe that ebbs and flows from start to finish keeping the
listener engaged.
No doubt that the Alien Jakes are out there now searching
the universe and the radio waves from earth for more inspiration and ideas for
there next fractal space excursion. This only goes further to solidify the fact
that the south west of the UK is producing some top-notch talent.
So, go check out Reflections by Alien Jakes today and
remember watch the skies because you never know where they will land next,
especially once restrictions ease and the guys can beam to your local live
music venue…
I’m out,
peace,
Steve
LINK
Buy Reflections here via Bandcamp:
Love it Steve! Big up you legend!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks man, means a lot.
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