Justin Jay - Lost Boi EP

November 13, 2020 - Lost Palms

Lost Boi is by far Justin Jay’s most techno-y project yet. Far out in its melodics, the opening track ‘Questions?’ gives most of its space to a hard-and-fast Eurotech drumkit. It’s a departure from romanticism, but not an altogether abandonment.

‘Lost Boi’ follows up with a distinctly under-water mood, induced by slow-moving pads and offset by aggressive long-phrased drums. Again, the percussion takes up most of the active space in the track, lending itself to sweaty people underground moving their bodies. A distorted voice says “when you want it, come and get it,” which is often regarded as a sexy thing to say, and at the very least hearkens to antiquated capitalist promotional material.

‘Where Didya Come From?” steps in a little more sample-heavy, which is a nice break from the rigidity and near atonality of the opening songs. A texturally diverse drum kit makes pleasing knocks and clicks. A sultry lady is quoted, “heaven must have sent you,” and then a deeply soulful horn interludes. Strings build a heartfelt space; woodwinds create a little lift in the mood. It’s not the jovial romance of the e-boy we’re used to from Justin. Instead it’s heavy, doleful, and loving. A fireside pine, rather than Instagram-driven infatuation and mania.

Justin swerves back in line with Krywald & Farrer on ‘I Feel,’ finding occasion to use a deep growling bass. The track features a handful of textural and melodic flourishes. What human can’t relate with the droning rhythm of everyday life, with sudden bouts of super-consciousness in which vividness seems to occur to one for the first time? Is it love? Is it mindfulness? The Diamond Sutra? Yes.

After waking up to the temporal beauty of life which all of us try to capture and make permanent it’s time for ‘Ramen with the Boys.’ These boys are spelled traditionally, which makes me think they’re the real ones. Chicken soup for the soul buddies. Slow swelling pads, euro-crunch beats, tonal high-hat, and sudden interruptions in the tracks’ fabric lead to a sojourn of post-feeling.

Finally, we come to ‘Wtf Dude…?’ It’s a goofball’s outro. Gurgling synths and laser guns fire over an uncompromising kick and snare. ‘Wtf Dude…?’ is an echo of an aggressive act during the eighties. Rapid pluck synths, a hint of reverb, and vicious repetition finds us in that sensitive space between a great gag and a friend taking it a step too far.

Still bathed in Justin Jay’s air of playfulness, this much less whimsical project showcases the artist’s club chops. Anyone looking to bump and grind and listen to Justin Jay will find her or his needs thoroughly met. ⛰️